How come no one has told me about the....

[KTK1982 0]

PSYCH EVALUATION??? I booked it today and it is 3 hours...are you serious...then you have to go back the same day for a follow up...What are we possibly going to do in that amount of time??? And what if I fail???

I thought that I saw some people have the psych evaluation and they said it was no big deal they just prepare you emotionally for the surgery. I am also nervous because I am on anti anxiety medication , I was put on it after I had my daughter ..so what if they think I am crazy !!!!

Can anyone make me feel better???

Thanks,

[willowcat 93]

Three hours does seem awfully long (mine was an hour and I thought that was long). Mostly, I think, they are looking to see that you don't have an eating disorder, that you have realistic expectations for the band, that you don't have severe mental illness (like delusional thinking or hallucinations), that you don't have a drug or alcohol addiction, that you are getting the band for the right reasons (for yourself). They want you to be successful. Probably with the three hours they will talk with you about "head hunger" and using food for things other than strictly nourishment; might also talk about what to expect after you lose your weight (during my psych evaluation the therapist talked about the high rate of divorce among wls patients). They also will probably talk to you about your weight loss/gain history. They are not going to be concerned that you take an anti-anxiety medication--especially if your anxiety is controlled (I have clinical depression, but it's controlled with my medications, and they didn't blink an eye about it). Don't worry. They won't think you're crazy. :tongue2:

[NYC_gal 0]

Its easy. At first, people made me nervous about it... but mine was only 50 minutes long.

The doc asked me why I wanted to get the surgery, what diets I've tried, and just general questions about my life & family. Also if I was prepared for the changes that were to come.

Basically, if you've been approved by your primary care doc & a surgeon [if they decided WLS is right for you] you should have no problem passing the psych evaluation!

[Mouse81841 0]

The psych eval is no biggy. They just want to make sure you are mentally sound and doing this for the right reasons. (for yourself not others) and to help you get used to being "thin." I guess there is a thing where even after we have dropped a lot of weight, we still see ourselves as obese and some people dont know how to react to the attention they are going to recieve ect. It really isnt a bad thing, in fact my psych eval made me feel a lot better. Dont sweat it!

[HolliJ 24]

I just had my final appointment with the psychologist yesterday. The whole process for me was a pain in the ass. Not because of the session itself, but these people trying to rip me off.

I saw one guy last Monday, who wanted $300 for a test (not covered by insurance). Then I called someone after that and they wanted $160 cash for their psych eval. My mom finally stepped in and called her old psychologist, who agreed to see me the next day. Then I took the PAI (Personality Assessment Inventory) the following day (charged as a session). Then yesterday I had my follow-up appointment.

I wish I could have found someone who would have just seen me ONE TIME and signed off. I ended up paying $120 (from all the co-pays) for one stupid little letter. $30 co-pay is ridiculous.

[HolliJ 24]

But as for what was discussed... Just weight history, diet attempts, why I started gaining weight, what I know about the surgery, the lifestyle change that takes place, what obstacles may stand in my way, etc...

It was a piece of cake. I know it's worrisome, but as long as you're doing this for the right reasons and know what you're getting into, you'll be just fine.