I was self pay so I didn't have to do the psych eval..my question is for those that did..was it a one time deal or do u check in with the psychologist once and a while...the further I go on my journey the more I realize how "mental" this whole weight loss thing is...was in the store today looking for size 12's and when I picked up 18's and 20's my old sizes and looked soooo big to me..then looked at the 12's and still have a hard time believing I can fit them until I actually put them on....just thinking how helpful it would be to have a professional to speak to about this whole mental thing. Any thoughts?

I was also self pay and feel the same exact way! I guess we will learn from all of our bandster friends' experiences. I am full of questions.....

I was required to do it by my insurance. I went through Psy-Med and I plan on seeing the therapist there as I progress. I did the same thing when I went to look for a sweater I wanted, I needed a 1x but still picked up and bought the 3x. I did not realize it until I was home and getting ready to wear the sweater. I knew what I wanted and needed but some way I still bought the old size.

I was required to have a 2 hr psych eval(PHD phychologist) and I filled out long questionaires. It was brutal. I was required to be followed by a psychiatrist and be on meds for depression and anxiety. I was also required to join a 12 step group of my choice , get a sponsor and have someone to call when I have future crisis. I consider myself sane and not in need of this. My surgery is March 19. I am sure I will miss food and that may trigger sadness. I know 12 step groups are free and that's a good deal. I found a CODA meeting. that's for codependents. I am always putting others before me and giving too much money to my kids. I need to learn to take care of myself first. I think food has been my best friend/enemy and my drug of choice. Body image is an entirely different thing but when I first see my shrink, if I like him, maybe he can help with the body image transition. Mostly I don't want to switch addictions as I hear that often happens.

With all the money involved in weight loss surgery, you'd have to be pretty screwed up to be denied entrance into

most programs. After surgery, you'll probably be on your own. That's why a resource like this forum is so valuable.

You can lean on people who have been there during the rough times and get a pat on the back when your successful.

Some of the folks here can be pretty inspiring when you need it.

Give this forum a chance and if you feel you still need help you can't get here, it might be time to see a mental health

professional. Best of luck and I hope you have a excellent experience.

Many bariatric surgical centers have ongoing support groups that are open to anyone who has had weight loss surgery, and at no cost if you have no insurance for a psychologist. They are run by the staff of the center - nurse, nutritionist and/or psychologist. Check the surgical centers near you to see what's available.

I had to do a eval but it was literally an hour and i only had to go once. I think going to the support groups..also i ahve never gone but a friend of my cousin has gone to OEA(over eaters annonymous) and really enjoys the support...

I don't see a psychologist, but I think it would be helpful. My time limits and insurance make it hard to keep going. I have a friend who does go to talk with someone because he say's that it really helps with the Psychological part of the journey.

i don't think , a psychiatrist is the last person to to talk to... i'd say get invovled in a support group of other baratric patients in your local area..(sometimes they are lead by counslers, social workers or clinicians) go out to lunch with other bariatric patients... talk about the unique problems we face as a group and as individuals. if your looking for medication fixes... im sure many psychiatrist will be happy to take your money and give you meds that always seem to fatten you up. unless you are in dire straights.. and are facing life altering problems associated with this surgery.maybe present a danger to yourself or someone else,,if not, , consider the support group, to be honest,. being happy to fit into a size 12 instead of an 18 doesn't sound like a life crisis to me. it sounds more like a blessing good luck

Thanks everyone for your replies..I'm not having a nervous breakdown.lol..I was just thinking it would be helpful to talk with a professional..but my surgery site does have a support group but I've never went.maybe I'll try it..thanks again everyone.:-)

I would like to find a support group. The mental side of lap band is huge for me. I am a food addict. I still overeat and cannot wrap my head around the fact that I am full at times. I call myself the turtle of lap band. I'm losing weight, very slowly. I exercise and take my Vitamins, and eat healthy food.

I think I need brain band surgery, ha. Guess until then I will just keep working on myself.

I could use some help with the mental aspect of having the surgery. After you have done it you are a different person. Dealing with the other people in my life has made my journey to thin difficult. I need to figure out how to balance my other relationships as I get to my final destination.

I was self-pay and had to meet with a therapist. I also see a therapist regularly on my own. I find that most therapists dont help with the food aspect (groundbreaking suggestions like eating carrots instead of junk food), but it can help a lot with the underlying emotional issues and also learning how to find a new way to cope.

My surgeons office has monthly support group meetings which I think are great.

I think if you're saying to yourself "I might want to talk to someone," then I think you should. Therapy is usually covered by most insurances, so you might be covered.

Congrats on those size 12s!!!!!

Thanks everyone for your support and responses.

The pre screening psych eval is merely to show you have a realistic understanding of what the surgery will do for you and that you have a support system. With that said I firmly believe that therapy was the beat thing for me personally when i started to get close to 200 i started to sabotage myself because i hadnt been under 200 for 15 years i just couldnt accept it. I had always used food to cope.. When I stopped doing that I replaced it with other negative behaviors like smoking and shopping. It wasn't until I realized I did not have a normal relationship with food or my weight that I saw the number going down again