Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Tell Me About the Psychological Testing



Recommended Posts

I am new here and am considering the lapband. I have an appointment to see the doctor on the 26th, but have pretty much decided that this is what I want to do. My insurance will cover the procedure, but I need to have psychological testing to determine if I will be compliant.....it seems to be a requirement for all prior to surgery. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is this a "hard test" to pass?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine wasn't. I remember filling out a bunch of those Personality tests, multiple choice mostly, then spending an hour talking with the pyschologist. Mainly, she wanted to be sure I had realistic expectations for the surgery, and to find out what kind of support I'd have from family and friends. Went very well, and I actually enjoyed it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

For some reason my doctor didn't recommend psychological testing for me (I'm really not sure why. But I'm a licensed social worker so maybe he thought I was "normal," shrug.) From what I've heard, the psychological testing often consists of the MMPI test. This test has been around for ages and you can learn more about it at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMPI.

The general purpose of the testing is to determine if you are psychologically prepared to accept the challenge that lapbanding provides. Being banded forces you to change the way you eat, the way you look at food, and maybe the way you cope with things, if you use food as a coping mechanism.

Without asking too many personal questions, I expect you will pass the test just fine if you feel you have been well adapted to life and can accept change, and are not currently depressed.

Research the test a little and you can find out what to expect.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Mine was more tedious than hard. I had to do a couple of personality tests, which added up to almost 600 questions. Then I spoke with the psychologist for about 10 minutes. Nothing major.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All I had to do was fill out a diet history and that's what we discussed for about 30 minutes. Just about EVERYONE passes and it's a requirement by most surgeons as this surgery is elective. Hmmmm... I suppose if plastic surgery were covered by insurance, they might want one too. LOL.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello,

My name is Liz and I just got my first adjustment and I have a questions about gas. Does anyone get lots of belching and what do you do about it.:girl_hug:

You might find more responses to this post if you select a different place to display it. Belching is very common after a fill and it subsides once the swelling from the fill goes down... a few days. Try to eat smaller meals... even if it's 5 small meals a day. Some people use Beano to help with the belching and gas. It's wise to stick to fluids and a soft diet for the first 1-3 days post-fill.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did my eval day before yesterday. It consisted of chatting with a therapist for about 45 minutes and then taking the MMPI-2. I thought all went very well.

...Until I got home this afternoon and found a message from the therapists office saying I have to go and retake that damned MMPI-2!!!!!!!!!!!!

What the heck?:girl_hug: :angry

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had to fill out a whole lot questionnaires. Seemed like alot and then I had to meet with a "behaviorist" about 4 times. She was a social worker by training. It took 4 times because I was hesitant and unsure about getting the procedure done. Otherwise, I think it would have been 1 or 2 times at the most.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would have loved to answer to a test... after two hours with a "social worker" who wants to know every personal, bad, upsetting or negative thing I've ever been through...a written exam sounds like a breeze!!! I still don't know if I "passed"! I think it is reasonable to think that we all have past, present, and future issues to deal with. Doesn't that make us normal?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am new here and am considering the lapband. I have an appointment to see the doctor on the 26th, but have pretty much decided that this is what I want to do. My insurance will cover the procedure, but I need to have psychological testing to determine if I will be compliant.....it seems to be a requirement for all prior to surgery. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Is this a "hard test" to pass?

I found out from my insurance company that the psych was not required by my insurance company for approval for the surgery. I had to call them to get approval before my visit. They approved me for one visit only. The psycologist new why I was coming to see him and I thought he would be prepared to give me the test. He was not. I called the Dr's office and explained to them the the psyc was not required for insurance approval and asked if I needed to still the test done. My Dr said I did not need to have it done as long as the psycologist could make a recommendation based on my interview with him. Evidently he was able to because I am now banded.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I called the therapists office this morning and was told I the MMPI-2 I took came out as "invalid"

Harrumph!

Guess I'll be invalid a second time...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I just finished my psych testing today (passed, whew!)

I had to take home many many questionnaires, then spend about 4 hours with a phd who dug around in every painful corner of my life, it seemed. They are doing research to develop questionnaires that can be done by the surgeons office, but they say that only added about an hour and a couple question sheets, everybody has to spend 2-3 hours.

That was last week. Tonight I met with a psychiatrist who spent about 15 minutes with me, had already gone through my file, and cleared me.

My friend is having gastric bypass soon and all she had to do was 1/2 hour with a social worker! Anyway, glad it is over....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×