Hi all... I'm a newbie here and I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post my question, but here goes! I'm just in the very beginning stages of talking to my Dr. about having the Lap Band procedure and so far things are looking up. I've been admitted into the Bariatric surgery program and if all goes well, I'm hoping that I'll have approval for surgery! yay! Anyway, my question is... I know I'll have to go in for a psych consultation, and I'm wondering what to expect with that? Is there anything I could say that would "red flag" the Dr.'s into denying the procedure for me? I'm not overly worried about it, just suffer from the same low self-esteem issues that most overweight people do. I just want everything to go as smoothly as possible in hopes that I can have the Lap Band "installed" as soon as I can. Any thoughts, suggestions, and/or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! :-)

KIM,

When they asked me why I wanted the surgery I just made sure I said things like.... Want to be healthier, live longer, be around to see my kids grow up etc. I think they just want to make sure your not going it for the wrong reason (to become a runway model, get back at an ex, quick fix etc). One thing they might ask is if you have the support of your family. Oh and anoher thing.. I was leary of telling the physc about being on anti-depression meds thinking he might not give me the "ok", but I came clean and he told me he was glad I let him know. I said I was depressed about being over weight - he said it would help my case. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

Michele :girl_hug:

They just don't want you to think that getting thinner will make you popular. You have to be doing it for the right reasons...Health, feel better physically, have more energy, mobility etc.

Kim,

My Psych evaluation was interesting. The Dr. interviewed me, sort of a get-to-know you type of thing. It was fine, until I quoted something I'd read somewhere that said that Lap Band was the "thinking person's WLS". This seemed to tick him off royally. That part was weird, but I stayed calm and figured maybe that was a test of my ability to cope or something. (My husband says that I offended him because he probably had RNY; who knows...) Then, I took a 285 question test on a computer, where the answers were "very true, somewhat true...", etc. It wasn't hard. I got a call from him a couple of days later saying that my results on the test were what they call a "fake good" on their scale. He explained, that its like I don't admit problems and pretend everything is great, which is so not true, but it was what it was. So, I had to go in and retake the test. That one came out in "more normal" range. Good thing, because if I'd gotten the first result again, he said he would not recommend me for the surgery. Whew. Anyway, I guess my takeaway message is to be totally honest and try not to be nervous.

Good luck in your journey!

Carol

Hi!

I was a little concerned when I went for my psych eval, too. The best thing I can say is to just be honest. There aren't any "right" or "wrong" answers. The psychological component to weight loss surgery is huge, and the psychologist and support groups are a big part of the "undergirding" of lapband success. If you're honest, then, if there are any issues that (s)he picks up on, (s)he can help you get it worked through, which will only help you succeed. I would say there are likely few true psychological "contraindications" to lapband surgery. It is more likely that there are things that could be stumbling blocks if they aren't brought out in the open and worked on.

Wishing you the best!

Kelly

I went into the psych eval with my homework done and my determination in place. I knew the risks, the complications, how the surgery was done, what my life change would have to be, why I wanted it and I went in strong. He kept trying to talk me out of it, but I wouldn't budge and told him I wouldn't. We talked for half an hour and then he said I was good to go. My DSIL is a PA and the psych sees him every week when he goes to visit patients in the nursing home. The Psych asked my DSIL how my surgery went and then said he tried everything to talk me out of it, but I was determined!! He knew it was something I really, really wanted.

I agree with everyone else. Just be honest. I will say that they are more inclined to recommend you for the band if you are not someone who is binge eater or grazes on sweets all day. The program I went through would turn people down for that, but bypass was OK.

My pysch eval was an 800 question quiz to determine if I was "mentally unstable". I was honest with him and told him in an hour long visit (not including the quiz) that I have diabetes in the family and was concerned for my overall health. He asked if I was a binge eater and I said yes. He just asked when my last binge was. Then he had me promise that I would start so kind of exercise 3X a week and to give up my sweet tea. I told him that I would give that up when I get approved for the surgery and he said that was fine. He also asked that I come in at 20-30 lb weight loss and than again at 100 lb weight loss, just to see how I was handling the weight loss mentally. It was very pleasant and I have never seen a pysch before!

Thanks to everyone for the input. I honestly feel that the Lap Band would be a great tool in helping me to maintain a healthier lifestyle. I know I'll have to overcome the "head hunger", but as long as the stomach hunger isn't as strong, I'll be able to build up a better defense! The psych consultation is definitely making me nervous because I just don't want to say the "wrong" thing and be denied. I have a pretty good case as to why I'd like the surgery though, both of my parents are overweight with adult onset diabetes, and I've certainly had my own struggle with weight. I'm 31 years old, a nanny, and it's harder and harder for me to do well at my job with all these extra pounds. :-( Anyway, thanks again for your input everyone! I feel at home here already and I'm not even close to being banded yet!

I got clearance the same day I had my evaluation, because my examiner was impressed with the "realistic outlook" I had on the lap band surgery. I was just upfront and honest in what goals I wanted to obtain and what research I had done on it, what the risks vs. benefits were, etc.

I paid cash and they didn't require pysch test...I guess they don't care what your mental state is if you can pay cash for it..lol......no really...I guess they just don't have to have the same standards when there is no insurance company to deal with...

My psy was as crazy as the people he treats . He did not ask me any thing about the surgery or why i was getting it . He had stock questions like" have you ever tried to commit suicide" "Does any one in your family have a mental illness" and he only wanted one word answers. If i asked him to repeat a ? he became irratated (He had a strong Indian accent). My whole visit lasted 15 min. I was sent there by a doctor i ended up not using but since my insurance had already approved it my new dr didnt make me go to anyone eles. This pshy was only in it for the money:cool:

I was self-pay also. The surgeon I used is a Bariatric Society "Center of Excellence" surgeon, and to get that distinction, the program has to be "well-rounded": nutrition couseling, psychological evaluation, ongoing support group, the facility and surgeons have to meet certain criteria, including minimal "complication rates", must have performed a minimum of a certain number of procedures, etc.. All patients, insured and self-pay, must have psychological screening prior to surgery. It's just part of the package trying to ensure that the patients get the best possible outcome from the surgery.