I have my mental health evaluation on Thursday... Any advice??

What do I need to be careful of?? I am a pretty honest person and have some issue in my past (Mother's mental health and she was somewhat abusive).. But am a firm believer and pulling yourself up by the boot straps and keep on keeping on.. That's the way i was raised... You can't blame your whole life on your past. There comes a time where you have to take responsiblity for you

Thanks for any advice...

I have mine on Friday! You sound pretty normal to me! I say you go in being yourself, that's what i"m gonna do. Oh - I had a nutso grandmother...

I have mine on Friday! You sound pretty normal to me! I say you go in being yourself, that's what i"m gonna do. Oh - I had a nutso grandmother...

Thanks Pam - Good luck on your visit too....:scalesno:

I don't think there is anything you really need to know. This evaluation is strictly about you and what your expectations and issues are with food. They just want to make sure you aren't an anorexic lunatic. Of course there may be depression issues, its sad to be overweight. That won't discount you from surgery. They just have this as a formality so they know you aren't going to totally lose it and end up in a room eating your own hair or something like that. I found the psych eval sort of fun. AN hour talking to someone about you and only you in a totally unbiased capacity. You will be fine. I actually ended up seeing my psych evaluation person multiple times before surgery just to calm my fears. Good luck!

I go Monday for my first visit with the psych doc. I guess they will find out I really am nuts!

Just got back from my appointment - Wasn't that bad at all - infact they didn't even make you fill out a form about mental issues... They only thing they cared about was $$$.. HIppa etc..

My Dr. Lady with a very soft voice - said i was OK for surgery and didn't need any follow up visits.

HA HA HA - I SURE FOOLED THEM

I have a choice of two psych doctors in my area. One says the appointment is $150 and it's $150 to have the records sent to my doctor. She files on insurance, so my co-pay will apply. Fine.

The other doc says it's a flat $300 for the visit, his report to me and my doctor and a feedback session with his findings afterwards. He does not file on insurance, but will give me the forms to file myself. I was asking the 2nd doctor a lot of questions and he inquired why. I told him that the other doctor was wanting to charge a $150 fee to send my records. He basically told me that charging for records was actually a HIPPA violation, and that if I pressed it, I could get the records sent with no fee if I brought that to their attention. Do any of you out there have medical records background that can confirm this?

I'm glad your consult went well. I used to think just like you! "firm believer and pulling yourself up by the boot straps and keep on keeping on.. That's the way i was raised... You can't blame your whole life on your past. There comes a time where you have to take responsiblity for you" Yup. . that was me!!! But when I finally faced the truth about the fact that I was not in control of my life (ie. weight), I sought out help. I started seeing a therapist in August of '05. I saw her every 2 weeks for about 1/2 years. I talked about the easy stuff first, but after about a year, we got to the rough stuff (sexual abuse when I was 7). It was hard, but I realized that my subconscience had more control over me than anything else!!! It's like I've been punishing myself all of these years because I felt like it was my fault!! I know. . sounds crazy, and even though I never told myself that, it turns out that is exactly what I was thinking. Anyway. . after a bit of self discovery, and a confrontation to the bastard that hurt me all of those years ago (sorry for the language), I AM IN CONTROL!!! It enabled me to make the decision to have this surgery! With this being just a tool, if I had done this 2 years ago, I would not be successfull!! I know I just started, but I also know that I'm a "new me", and it WILL work!!!

I know you didn't ask for anyone else's "story", but I just wanted to share. Sometimes, the things we swore would not define us, already have. And it'll come up and bite ya in the rear when you least expect it!!

Glad that your appt. went well though, and you're on your way!! This is the BEST decision I have ever made (aside from marrying that man 'o' mine)!!! I love it, love it, love it!!

I'm glad your consult went well. I used to think just like you! "firm believer and pulling yourself up by the boot straps and keep on keeping on.. That's the way i was raised... You can't blame your whole life on your past. There comes a time where you have to take responsiblity for you" Yup. . that was me!!! But when I finally faced the truth about the fact that I was not in control of my life (ie. weight), I sought out help. I started seeing a therapist in August of '05. I saw her every 2 weeks for about 1/2 years. I talked about the easy stuff first, but after about a year, we got to the rough stuff (sexual abuse when I was 7).I know you didn't ask for anyone else's "story", but I just wanted to share.

Michelle - I am glad that you shared - I think that's why this site is so good - it's here for us to share - vent - etc.

I am glad that therapy is working for you - I am lucky to say that I don't have any real terrible issues as you do.. And i sure didn't mean to belittle others for their reasons for going to a counsler... I hope you didnt take it that way....

OH NO!! Not at all!!!!! It's all good sweet lady!!

OH NO!! Not at all!!!!! It's all good sweet lady!!

ok glad - you know since we are typing word and arent' actually talking to one another - we can't hear the tone of voice or facial expressions so sometime - we can come off a little harder than we mean too..

Thanks,