Phych eval

[marysminute 20]

What is the phych eval like? Is it written or verbal? I'm so nervous about this

[Sleeveless in seattle 208]

Mine was both. About 1/2 hr in person, about 1-1/2 hr fill in the bubble tests. My whole visit was pretty ridiculous. I had nothing to worry about.

[BigGirlPanties 957]

I agree, mine was both as well...just was completely honest...the computer test was ridiculous, if you ask me...but when I spoke with her, I told her I don't expect it to be a miracle surgery, that I know I still have to work at it and it's only a "tool"... I did my reading and knew what to expect with the surgery. I told her about all my ups and downs of my weight and how I felt when that happened...etc...etc...etc... it was pretty standard stuff... you'll be fine...don't stress it!

[betty_s 476]

Mine was only verbal and we just talked about my history with weight problems, if my family members had weight problems, etc.

[marysminute 20]

My doctor just told me to push the fact that I have a rate brain disease caused by obesity, that it has been proven to go into remission by surgery. That I want to keep my eye sight, that this has nothing to do with cosmetic, all about my eye sight

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

Mine is tonight... I'm nervous even though I've seen this doctor for about 8 years now. I thought it was kind of silly he wouldn't just write me a clearance note but I guess he has to earn his $300 fee (or so). The only thing I worry about is this: in the past I've discussed my weight with him and he's always been pretty flippant saying that it's all just willpower, eating less... yada yada yada. Believe me, if there were a switch I could just flip that would make me lose weight (or that ever elusive switch to turn off depression) I would have flipped said switch a long time ago!

I'll let you know how it goes.

[The Laughing Cat 54]

This is the post I made to another query asking about the psych evaluation. I hope it helps you.

I've been through two evals (one for the Lap-Band and one for the sleeve revision). The second psychologist did a great job. I believe they truly want to clear you and use this time to identify and educate. I was given an action plan with a generic part and a personalized section. Here's what is covered.

1. Specific, concrete ways to eat 3 meals per day, Protein first at each meal.

2. Strategies to manage your environment to reduce opportunities to eat inappropriately.

3. Identify triggers and risky behaviors. List ways to avoid or interrupt them early.

4. Identify alternatives to emotional and stress eating.

5. Identify your support system.

6. List activities you enjoy.

My personalized section listed...

1. Practice eating slowly.

2. Practice avoiding liquids 30 minutes before/after/during meals.

3. Attend the bariatric support group.

4. Revisit this psych in 3 months post surgery.

5. Support groups

a. church

b. best friend

c. family

6. Follow up with personal psychiatrist and psychologist.

7. Weight training post surgery when cleared by surgeon.

8. Document "hygiene issues" with PCP.

This particular psychologist is the exclusive one used by my bariatrics group. She was no stranger to the content and context of obesity. I'm glad I had this opportunity. .