I have been accepted into the bariatric program and now I'm am in the process of taking my nutrition class, and lifestyle class, and psych evaluation. What do they ask at psych evaluations? How long have you been overweight? Gosh, do you yo-yo with weight. I mean what makes you tick? Can anyone tell me is if just a therapist asking your overweight history? How important is it. Especially if you're not diagnosed with mental illness? Any thoughts?

Its pretty important. Its to make sure you have a good support system in place and that you know that the surgery is just a tool to help you lose weight. You will probably have to take a pretty lengthy test as well. I got lucky I have a mental illness so my psychiatrist wrote my surgeon a letter stating that I could make decisions about surgery myself and that it would benefit my mental health. That got me out of having a psych eval thru the surgeon's office. I hope you have a smooth weight loss journey. Keep us posted.

I've had two psych evals for WLS. The psychologist wants to know if you understand the risks and don't have unreasonable expectations for the procedure. My last eval spent most the time educating me on various tools to help in the weight loss such support, managing your environment, identifying triggers, etc. I did take a standardized test (bubble sheets) that was mailed to me prior to the appointment. I think the psychologist really wants to approve your surgery and use this time to assist you in the process. She later told me the only things that cause an in-depth interview is schizophrenia and bi-polar disorders, not well controlled.

Best of luck

Thanks so much for posting replies. I am new to bariatric pal, and just got accepted into the weight loss program in San Francisco. I'm nervous and excited and scared. But really want to have surgery and get rid of this excess weight.

Thanks for giving me some insight into the psych evaluation.

All i had to to was answer a 500 question true or false test.. its had the most random and crazy questions I've ever been asked! Every where from "I enjoy the color cyan" and "my mother was/is a good person" to "I have thought about hurting myself or others" and "I tend to eat more when I feel sad"

I don't think there is a standard set of questions. Some people have to take the long questionnaires like the MMPI or other standardized tests. Some get asked a lot of questions about their weight history, support groups, previous attempts to lose weight, etc. I have seen a psych for about 8 years now (depression, mood disorder) and my doctor only spent about 20 minutes asking me questions about what problems I have now because of my weight and a lot about my family's medical history. He really didn't ask me anything about how I feel I about the surgery, what I think it will accomplish or my support plan.

So, bottom line - I think it varies a lot. Just go in honest and I'm sure you'll do fine.

i had questions like: why do you think you are obese? do you think you have an eating disorder? what do you need to change in order to be successful with this surgery? whats your plan for changing those things? who will support you the most? what are three things you can do to cope with your feelings without food? did you have any trauma in the past that still bothers you? how do you feel about exercising? do you know how to shop and cook healthy meals? what do you do for socializing besides eating?

a friend's appt took almost 3 hours, but she was still recommended for surgery because she is seeing a therapist and attending an eating disorder support group.

Thank you all for your comments to my questions. I see that it varies depending on where you have your WLS at. Goodness. I think I can handle these questions. Not like I haven't been asked these questions before. Especially when you're obese. Thanks again everyone. This is great.

mine was very simple and i was pretty comfortable with it. my psych eval was a 2-visit deal.

the first day i went she asked me about my medical history, my family history, if i had anxiety, depression, etc. also discussed medications, exercise regimen (NONE), support system. she gave me three or four little 'inventories' to fill out and bring back the next day.

the inventories were a bulimia/anorexia type survey, an eating survey, and some sort of 27 question survey about the anxiety i had in certain scenarios, sleeping, etc.

all very simple. i went back for my 2nd appt she looked it all over, asked me a few of the same questions from the first appt, and said i was approved and she would send a letter to my surgeon. she was really nice and told me that i seemed pretty 'normal' and that this is the best thing i could ever do for myself.