I've been lurking for a while but this is my first post. My surgery date is July 11. Today I met with the psychologist for about 1 1/2 hours. We talked generally about my family, my career, hobbies, etc. She asked about weight loss history and why I wanted the surgery. I did a true/false questionnaire to see if I was depressed. Another test looked at my attitudes towards food and my ability to handle a new eating style. Then she had me draw picture of myself now and after the surgery. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable experience. So if you are nervous, don't be!

Thanks for the info. I'm self-pay, so I don't get any bells and whistles! I'm already on pre-op diet and I haven't even seen a nutritionist. I get ***one*** pre-op visit and one post and they are group, not even individual. To add insult to injury, my health insurance premium is about $800 a month and it excludes weight loss. Can you tell I'm angry - could have to do with eating basically NO FOOD!!!!! Grrrrr.......

Welcome Argnewcan!! We are going to be sleeve buddies, as mine is also scheduled for June 11th. Good luck

Txdee, I'm surprised that you are not being offered more pre-op care. Everything I've read stresses how important it is to "be ready" and informed. I've paid extra for my nut. and psych. visits but they are not optional. I also get six free seminars on various topics and I have to attend at least one. I looked up your doctor and at least it is cheaper. You can still make the best of the situation though. Reading this board has been very educational. Hang in there.

Vanboo52, my surgery date is July 11 but I am happy to be your sleeve buddy plus one, as they say. I've been reading all the post-op posts so I will look forward to yours.

So you're self-pay... did you choose that program? You don't sound pleased about it so I'm guessing not. Why use it if you have choices? (Usually self-pay has the most choice, even budget self-pay).

Thanks for the info. I'm self-pay, so I don't get any bells and whistles! I'm already on pre-op diet and I haven't even seen a nutritionist. I get ***one*** pre-op visit and one post and they are group, not even individual. To add insult to injury, my health insurance premium is about $800 a month and it excludes weight loss. Can you tell I'm angry - could have to do with eating basically NO FOOD!!!!! Grrrrr.......

Txdee, I'm surprised that you are not being offered more pre-op care. Everything I've read stresses how important it is to "be ready" and informed. I've paid extra for my nut. and psych. visits but they are not optional. I also get six free seminars on various topics and I have to attend at least one. I looked up your doctor and at least it is cheaper. You can still make the best of the situation though. Reading this board has been very educational. Hang in there.

Yes, thank goodness for the online info! I just got off the phone with a therapist I found that is a WLS guru, so I think I've got that covered. I have had MANY years of therapy to try to overcome my weight problem in the past, and yet here I am today, so I might be a bit jaded. I think I've got the nutrition part covered fairly well now after some phone calls. There are also group seminars one night a week that are included, so I will probably go to those when possible. I'm feeling better today, I'm just cranky due to being on the first few days of the pre-op diet!! Take away my precious food, and I get like that, but I know I can do this thing!