Fail psych exam?

[Veruca 0]

Have you ever heard of anyone failing the psych exam? I have a friend, yeah a friend, not me of course who struggled with suicidal thoughts a couple years ago. She got lots of help and is fine now. Could this be a reason to deny me? Uh...her.

[jsrmanatee 51]

i have bipolar disorder and i was approved. my psych exam went really well. honestly just don't bring up those thoughts. talk about how optimistic you are for the future and explain how much research and preparation you have done. talk about the positive changes you have already made in your life.

the psych did have to make sure i had plenty of support through the process. he contacted my therepist who ensured him that i meet with her every week and talking about the changes/thoughts/feelings i would be going through would be part of my therapy. he approved me with a smile.

[southernsoul 773]

Veruca, in my opinion & what I learned from my psych, they are more concerned with how we've learned to cope with issues rather than if we have ever had any issues. Does that make sense? If the thoughts were ongoing, or if they had never been addressed in the first place, then that might make a difference. But if 'your friend' has learned some coping skills and found a better balance in life, then that can only be a benefit to handling the postop changes, right?

[TheOldMeAgain 128]

Your not alone in worrying. I'm waiting for my psy evaluation Appt and failing is one on my biggest concerns. My issue is that my mental health problems are all on file in the VA hospital I'm having my surgery. The doc will have access to all my info about my PTSD from deployment and other issues. My Bariatric coordinator emphasize that you can be denied surgery if the doc think your not ready or handle problems in the past. Stressing is not going to help. Go in their and follow the doc lead. Don't volunteer answers, answers questions yes or no and tell them what they want to hear. You know if your mentally health enough to handle WLS and all the negative along with positive outcomes. When is your exam?

[Veruca Salt 31]

I would just not mention it. They are going to ask you all sorts of questions like after the surgery would you try and kill yourself or others. If after you should have any negitive feeling I would speak to your shrink about it. She is intake nurse. If they ask you how you plan to fill your time without eating I said I play computer games. If you have any questions about your mental state go ask you shink they know you best.

[Macy6 356]

I was open about my previous battle with major depression, my current battle with depression and anxiety and was approved. He was very thorough, asked lots of questions. I think it helped that I seek help when I struggle.

[FRED1977 186]

No you shouldn't be denied unless you just don't want to make a lifestyle change. The purpose of the exam is just to ensure that you understand what you are getting yourself into. Just my opinion the exam is a waste of money. Example if a person is depressed and suicidal because of their appearance,and wants to have the surgery to better their appearance and loose weight , then its most likely they would not kill themselves. Wanting to change is positive,and shows that you want to live.

It is just another way the insurance company can get your money. So relax and don't sweat it.My insurance required I had the exam and it was really pointless and not bad at all.

[BethinPA 305]

In my evaluation she seemed more concerned about whether or not I was a binge eater, had a history of eating disorders and if I ever wake up in the middle of the night to eat. It seemed to be more centered around whether or not I manage stressful situations with food/ eating.

[Veruca 0]

Thanks for all your replies. I had my psych exam this morning. Pretty sure I blew it. I had to talk about my prior psychological stuff, my divorce, which was final last August, my mom dying recently and I got upset and teared up and then started crying thinking about how I was blowing it and then it just snowballed in my head. All I could think was that I'm going to be rejected and I'll just stay this way forever. She said I've had a lot to deal with lately and it's true. Maybe this would be too much on top of it. I'm sure she was writing "cray cray" in big block letters on my form. I will let you know what happens. I have to go see her again tomorrow. Always a good sign. I'll be lucky if she doesn't have me involuntarily admitted - let alone approving wls.

[JessicaDiane1021 147]

I was denied for not enough family support. Got a second opinion and passed. I'm sure u will be fine.

[southernsoul 773]

Thanks for all your replies. I had my psych exam this morning. Pretty sure I blew it. I had to talk about my prior psychological stuff, my divorce, which was final last August, my mom dying recently and I got upset and teared up and then started crying thinking about how I was blowing it and then it just snowballed in my head. All I could think was that I'm going to be rejected and I'll just stay this way forever. She said I've had a lot to deal with lately and it's true. Maybe this would be too much on top of it. I'm sure she was writing "cray cray" in big block letters on my form. I will let you know what happens. I have to go see her again tomorrow. Always a good sign. I'll be lucky if she doesn't have me involuntarily admitted - let alone approving wls.

Please try not to worry. I am training to be a mental health counselor right now & I can promise you she would have been far more concerned if you had showed no emotion. Breaking down & crying over intense emotional stuff is normal and healthy. Getting stuff out may not always be 'pretty', but it's much better for our emotional well-being than bottling stuff up or denying it has had a big impact. My guess is she will be concerned about whether or not you have some decent support around you & that you have thought through the challenges of surgery.

Oh, and BTW...a true mental health professional would never write "cray cray" in a client's file...we much prefer the clinically correct term LOONEY. Good luck to you!

[Rox 200]

I am going to Mexico for my surgery, so a psych eval was not a factor. However, I do see a therapist, when I told her, we went round and round about it. She told me that if I needed her approval to have this surgery that she would deny me.

Luckily she could not do that. Her biggest problem about me having this surgery is that she doesn't think I am "big enough". Anyway, surgery is next Tuesday.