Hey peeps,

I'm fairly new to the group and in beginning stages of my process. Having my consult 8/29. Just wondering what to expect at the psych eval? What so you talk about? I've never been to one before. What if I don't get approved bc I say something wrong? It's freaking me out lol.

Mine sent me a questionnaire to fill out pre-visit. Mine was done over 2 days and each of the days I took a test (personality and health). The first session, we discussed my questionnaire; the second, the results of my tests.

She mainly asked me about my support system and handling family stresses.

Mine was 376 true false questions and a questionnaire about eating habits and what not. He also asked about what is the reason I want the surgery and do I have a support group. It's not bad promise! Don't be nervous just the 376 questions felt never ending lol.

I timed mine. It lasted exactly 4 min., after which the psych, according to his report, noted that I was "highly intelligent". I laughed when I read that, not because I might not think that isn't true, but because he literally talked to me less than 5 min. I went to his office, filled at a small questionaire, saw him, and it was over.

I timed mine. It lasted exactly 4 min.' date=' after which the psych, according to his report, noted that I was "highly intelligent". I laughed when I read that, not because I might not think that isn't true, but because he literally talked to me less than 5 min. I went to his office, filled at a small questionaire, saw him, and it was over.[/quote']

That's so funny. Mine gave me a word meaning and pattern test (kind of like those readers digest ones) which I apparently aced so I was told the same. I absolutely HATE word and number pattern puzzles so I silently biotched in my mind about the stupid test lol.

I also took a six hundred something question test (yes and no answers) which made me laugh so much I was worried they might think the voices in my head were doing a comedy show. But the remainder of the hour was just talking about my life in general, why I made the decision, what support did I have, etc. I fessed up my sins and weaknesses and what I knew would be my challenges in the future and was proclaimed sane (my husband likes to say "sane enough for surgery but the jury is still out on complete sanity").

I was nervous. I don't particularly enjoy talking to strangers about personal things and being analyzed. I personally see their value but also think much of the work is a bit ummmmmm how shall I say it? Bs. . For instance, once the gal found put where I live she dropped the personal questions and started talking about the history of my house (I live in a nationally registered Victorian home). On a personal level....anyone stupid enough to take up restoration of a home like this has to have some issues with nuttiness lol. But I passed...or my house did? Either way, it wasn't a big deal.

I spoke with the psych for maybe ten minutes, then took all the tests. My surgeon's office told me that it wasn't a pass or fail thing, so I guess it's really just to see how emotionally stable you are. It was not a big deal at all. A ton of the questions were like: Do you feel as though someone is out to get you? Have you ever wanted to physically harm yourself or someone else? One even said, If you were a news reporter, would you want to report crime?

Just seemed like a little bit of a waste of time/money to me... but maybe it is helpful for some people.

Very interesting but sort of what I thought. Awesome. Thanks for the responses!

I'll try not to take offense to all of your posts however- I can offer that what they want to know is 1). Are u emotionally stable 2) do u have a support system and 3) how likely are u going to follow thru with doctor recommendations

It bugs me to hear my colleagues are not professional in their approach to this sometimes because I think it's a very important part of the process.

Anyway- that's the reality of what they want I know about you.

Just be you :-)

WOW seems some folks just flew thru psych eval..my psych eval lasted an hour and we just really laid it all out. She ask questions, made recommendations for the diet, etc..I had concerns and she took her time to talk things over with me. She was real helpful..

I've gone back 4 times! The first one was all the tests. Then i came back to review the results and I've gone 2 more times. We just talk about stressors and what to watch out for that might try to trip me up. I really like going and hope to continue after my surgery.

I've gone back 4 times! The first one was all the tests. Then i came back to review the results and I've gone 2 more times. We just talk about stressors and what to watch out for that might try to trip me up. I really like going and hope to continue after my surgery. I know i'm going to need advice on how to deal with the fallout of friends & family.

This is ridiculous. Sounds like the therapist is just lining his/her pockets with your WLS money. Definitely see this person as you go through your WLS journey if you find the time useful, but I can't imagine why 4 sessions as the Eval are necessary.

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My psych called me and told me I was clear and that she'd forward a report to my surgeon for insurance clearance..... About 45 seconds...... Surgery is aug 21st LOL

Lol- that's how i kinda felt at; I'm ok AND I feel really prepared.

Lol- that's how i kinda felt at first' date=' and i challenge my patient care advocate. Turns out tnat 4 visits w a PHY and a NUT are what my insurance required. I'm ok w that because they are covering the whole thing. AND I feel really prepared for my surgeey on the 21st.[/quote']

Ah, gotcha. Makes sense now.

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I'll try not to take offense to all of your posts however- I can offer that what they want to know is 1). Are u emotionally stable 2) do u have a support system and 3) how likely are u going to follow thru with doctor recommendations

It bugs me to hear my colleagues are not professional in their approach to this sometimes because I think it's a very important part of the process.

Anyway- that's the reality of what they want I know about you.

Just be you :-)

I have heard different stories about the psych eval too. I believe that it is important too but way more important with some patients compared to others. Some psychs are just doing these because they are required by insurance and they are getting paid. Others really do care and listen to the patient in order to help ID any potential serious issues that may have detremental effects on the patient's outcome. I see this stuff in the workplace all the time.

I have not been thru mine yet but to be honest I am not really that concerned about it. I know why I want to do this and I know myself better than anyone and don't mind admitting that. Hope that didn't sound cocky but it's true. With the time and money invested in the whole process, I would much rather have someone ask my questions and talk with me for a bit of time rather than say "oh yeah that sounds good, good luck and see ya later." I know it's all perspective and all but think about it in terms of what might actually help you. They see people doing this surgery all the time and I am sure that they see definite patterns to people and pick up on it. They may see something in someone that they have seen before and be able to help someone else with the same triggers or issues. It's kind of a peace of mind really that someone actually takes the time to listen...

I have heard different stories about the psych eval too. I believe that it is important too but way more important with some patients compared to others. Some psychs are just doing these because they are required by insurance and they are getting paid. Others really do care and listen to the patient in order to help ID any potential serious issues that may have detremental effects on the patient's outcome. I see this stuff in the workplace all the time.

I have not been thru mine yet but to be honest I am not really that concerned about it. I know why I want to do this and I know myself better than anyone and don't mind admitting that. Hope that didn't sound cocky but it's true. With the time and money invested in the whole process' date=' I would much rather have someone ask my questions and talk with me for a bit of time rather than say "oh yeah that sounds good, good luck and see ya later." I know it's all perspective and all but think about it in terms of what might actually help you. They see people doing this surgery all the time and I am sure that they see definite patterns to people and pick up on it. They may see something in someone that they have seen before and be able to help someone else with the same triggers or issues. It's kind of a peace of mind really that someone actually takes the time to listen...[/quote']

Yep I think just about any profession you will find people who are there to get a pay check or simply burnt out. The one thing I wanted to mention about this too Is that there is another component in screening for specific disorders which are medicated with specific meds. My understanding is that they (medical world) seen not quite sure how those specific meds metabolize after the surgery and have not been able to....yet find a way to correctly do so and maintain stable mental health. I don't know what meds or disorders but my guess is psychotic disorders (just a guess) . So perhaps some are providing the MMPI (the big question test) or other of the like too