I know every doctor is different but if you are a self pay, do you still have to undergo the pysch evaluation?

Sharon

Some doctors require all patients to have a psych eval. It just depends on which doctor you have.

I am self-pay and my MD still required a psych eval, along with labwork, a chest x-ray and an EKG. Since I am a RN and one of my co-workers is a medical social worker my surgeon did allow her to write a letter on my behalf stating that I was "in my right mind and mentally capable of making medical decisions, etc." The surgery coordinator even faxed me a sample letter for us to follow. I actually typed up the letter based on the sample one and the social worker signed it for me. The best part was that it was free for me! I do plan to send my co-worker a little happy for helping me out, though! Something like this may be an option for you if you have any friends who are social workers! Good luck!

Thanks. In our seminar, the doctor did say everyone does lab work and then chest x-rays and EKG's are dependent upon your age and/or health history.

I guess I'll find out more when I meet with him on Tuesday.

Thanks again,

Sharon

Im self pay and my doc does require one as well as a meeting with a nutrionist and lab work, chest X ray EKG ..ect.

Mindy

I was self pay and had to have a psych. exam. I wish they would have asked me more questions about why I overeat and dealt with why I am a compulsive overeater instead of worrying whether I'm crazy or not. Do I "hear voices" NO! Do I hear the cake calling me from in the kitchen? YES, YES, YES!

Yep. Self pay here and needed a psych eval. I have a therp I've seen for years and she wrote up the letter.

I think with an elective surgery like this they sort of require it to be sure you are prepared for the life changing event it is.

I've heard from others on here it's a one hour quick talk with a therapist. No worries!

I'm self pay and no psych exam was required. For me, personally, I prefer it that way. I would not like it at all if I wanted a lap band and I was held up by someone who administered a test and decided I was not ready. I understand there is another valid point of view on this issue, but for me I prefer to have my doctor treat me as if I am competent to make my own decisions.

Thanks everyone, this info helps. Isn't it funny that I'm more nervous about the pysch exam than I am the actual surgery?! I've never had either so I don't know why I'm nervous but I am.

Marjon9, I couldn't agree more. That's exactly how I feel. I have thought long and hard how about the numerous situations I will be faced with and how I will handle them. My life revolves around food and I am actually looking forward to start having my life revolve around anything else but food.

Thanks again.

Sharon

Just did mine on Thursday. It was not that bad and the psycologist that did it was pretty cool! She did ask me questions that I was never expecting which is kinda the point I guess. I was in there about 1.5 hours total and honestly, I was all worked up for nothing

Chris