I had my psychological evaluation on Thursday 5/31. After I left I started to become worried. I was completely honest and admitted to the psychologist that I had patterns of binge eating in the past. We also talked about my past history of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and my diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. All of those things are under control now, I'm just so afraid he's going to say I'm not ready to deal with the surgery. Any advice, words of wisdom, encouragement? I know they say honesty is the best policy with the psych eval no matter how dark it is, I'm just afraid I blew it for myself.

...and perhaps one of the most important requirements for surgery.

Agreed =]

-d'andra

No scale in the office, but the dr was like 80 and needed a walker to get around. He said he wanted to make sure that I cound mentally handle this surgery. He also said those that can handle it are those that follow the doctor directions and have a good grasp on life. He said that those that are mentally suited for surgery don't need it and should diet instead, he kept talking me out of doing it. I go back for results next week. I sorta think he will say I'm ok, otherwise he would have been like I'm going to say that you're a bad candidate or something rather than try to tell me I shouldn't.

I was upfront with the initial evaluation and had to go to a follow up with a different doctor before we could submit to the insurance company. I was really upset because the people I know that had the surgery kept telling me how stupid I was to tell the truth' date=' because they just told them what they wanted to hear to get the approval. In the beginning I was beating myself up for not just playing along with them like everyone else, but that wouldn't get me anywhere....I know why I turned to food over 20 years ago and I have worked my butt off to get through those issues, but I need help to reverse the damage I have done physically. The second doctor I talked to completely understood where I was coming from and saw that I knew what got me here and that I had put in the emotional work already, so she wrote my letter.[/quote']

You are not stupid. The people u told don't have the right 2 judge your decisions. I have my evaluation on June 12th. I'm going 2 be honest. Do not stress . Stress will cause u 2 be sick. Remember you can't tell everybody your hopes and dreams. Everyone will not be happy for u. I learned that the hard way. Replace worry with prayer. Replace negative people with positive people.

Stay strong.

You are not stupid. The people u told don't have the right 2 judge your decisions. I have my evaluation on June 12th. I'm going 2 be honest. Do not stress . Stress will cause u 2 be sick. Remember you can't tell everybody your hopes and dreams. Everyone will not be happy for u. I learned that the hard way. Replace worry with prayer. Replace negative people with positive people.

Stay strong.

Thanks! I got over that mind set, it was just so frustrating for me because we had already scheduled the date, then the coordinator "realized" that the letter from the first person said I needed a follow up with a different doctor. So I had to cancel then it was almost a month and a half before I could get an appointment with a new doctor. I haven't been happy with the coordinator at my surgeons office from day one really, she always tells me she is so busy like I am bothering her, so I just started calling my surgeon directly on his cell phone and asking him the questions since she was too busy with other people to assist me. I spoke with him about a lack of communication with her and he gave me his number, so I used it. If it wasn't for the fact that my husband and I really like Dr. Mirza, I would have found a new office just based on his office coordinator.

The psychologist I saw was a specialist in bariatric psychology - in other words, he worked directly with a bariatric surgeon. Honestly, all we talked about was the psychology behind the sleeve - how I felt about certain aspects of it (like the fact that I will only be able to enjoy around 7 bites of food). We didn't really discuss any past problems to be honest . . . hmm . . . should I be concerned about that?

I was upfront with the initial evaluation and had to go to a follow up with a different doctor before we could submit to the insurance company. I was really upset because the people I know that had the surgery kept telling me how stupid I was to tell the truth' date=' because they just told them what they wanted to hear to get the approval. In the beginning I was beating myself up for not just playing along with them like everyone else, but that wouldn't get me anywhere....I know why I turned to food over 20 years ago and I have worked my butt off to get through those issues, but I need help to reverse the damage I have done physically. The second doctor I colleges talked to completely understood where I was coming from and saw that I knew what got me here and that I had put in the emotional work already, so she wrote my letter.[/quote']

I wasted time and money. The doctor who conducted my psychological evaluation kept yawing. He said, I just had lunch. I was schedule for one hour. that's what they charging my insurance for. He was ready 2 go before he got in the office. He told me he was going 2 pass me. He stay about 20 to 25 mins. Im going 2 ask the surgeon since that 's his homeboy, could I get my copay and gas money lol. What really burns me up is when the lady in the front window ask for the copay before I could caught my breath to say my name is.

wow! I really liked the lady that I went to, if she weren't over an hour away I would be going to her regularly. No one on my insurance plan, even the ones that the insurance company directed me to, would take me on knowing that I was seeking the letter of "mental clearance" I spent nearly 3 hours on the phone calling offices and getting rejected. Called my surgeon's office in tears and they referred me to the lady I went to, it was $200 out of pocket and over an hour away from where I live, but I was kind of backed into a corner. I went in expecting her to be just someone they used to get the paperwork filled out, but she didn't come off like that.

wow! I really liked the lady that I went to' date=' if she weren't over an hour away I would be going to her regularly. No one on my insurance plan, even the ones that the insurance company directed me to, would take me on knowing that I was seeking the letter of "mental clearance" I spent nearly 3 hours on the phone calling offices and getting rejected. Called my surgeon's office in tears and they referred me to the lady I went to, it was 200 out of pocket and over an hour away from where I live, but I was kind of backed into a corner. I went in expecting her to be just someone they used to get the paperwork filled out, but she didn't come off like that.[/quote']

Wow. 200, I would have really stay my hour. They would have called security on me 2 make me leave. For real, for real. I live in Texas and everything is far. The question they, had me bubbling in was for 2nd grade. How can someone evaluate you on how u feel? Im so glade this is almost over. Today is my last doctors appointment before surgery.

You will be able 2 help others. You are a very strong young lady. Iv read a lot of ur post. You will come out on top!!!!

I thought they seemed money hungry. I was with docs for 20 min then had to take a 700 question test that took hours. My insurance is 7500 deductable so had to pay $420 out of pocket. I will feel raped if not approved(cleared), go back 19th to find out.

I thought they seemed money hungry. I was with docs for 20 min then had to take a 700 question test that took hours. My insurance is 7500 deductable so had to pay 420 out of pocket. I will feel raped if not approved(cleared)' date=' go back 19th to find out.[/quote']

Whoa

I need 2 stop complaining. My copay was 25.00.

Whoa

I need 2 stop complaining. My copay was 25.00.

I was thinking the same thing. I felt like the $25 bucks was a waste, but at least it was ONLY $25 bucks.

I was thinking the same thing. I felt like the 25 bucks was a waste' date=' but at least it was ONLY 25 bucks.[/quote']

Oh yeah. Its almost over for me. 26

I am in TX as well. Mine cost $60 and took less than an hour. Just wanted to be sure that I had a support plan since I live at least an hour from any bariatric surgeons.

I had to pay 450. My insurance is not covering my surgery at all. I had a great psych. She's actually a former patient of my surgeon. She was fabulous.

I shall not complain anymore. Living here in Tx it can take hour or hours to get from place 2 place. Im still getting use 2 the distance. Im originally from Arkansas. Im use 2 things being right down the street or 5 to ten mins away. Welcome 2 the big city for me. Lol