I'm so nervous about Wednesday's psych evaluation!! Ugh. I'm not cray-cray, I just love food and eat too fast. lol! How did your eval go? I have my appointments with the dietician and exercise physiologist right after and I'm not a bit worried about those. lol!!

How you're feeling is absolutely normal, I promise. I agonized countless hours and days over that qualification myself. Then the day finally came. Took all of 15 minutes. The psychologist made a point of putting me at ease right from the start. And she told me at the end that she was recommending me for surgery.

It's easy to believe that they are looking for a way to deny you, but that isn't the case. They just want to know that you understand the ins and outs of WLS, and have realistic expectations. They dabble a bit in your family and weight history, and support system. Just casual conversation type things really.

Seriously, I wish I could get back the time I wasted over many of the hurdles they make us jump. But I made it through and so will you, so just try to relax.

Good luck!

Each psychologist is different. Some do a quick 15 minute evaluation as @@The Candidate mentioned. My experience was different: I had 2 1-hour sessions and took a depression screening test (which took 5 minutes). The psychologist isn't "out to get you" as many people think. They want to see what is giving you the motivation for the surgery, what supports you'll have, etc. They are there to help you and want you to be successful!

I salute you @@MSWMike

I probably wouldn't have made it out of building under that kind of microscope. ????

Edited July 13, 201511 yr by The Candidate

I didn't have any problem with it. Just answer the questions truthfully. They are looking for any existing problem that might prevent the surgery from being successful. Why did you gain the weight in the first place? For most people it is a lack of exercise combined with eating the wrong types of food.

I guess I am "cray cray" as you say, because I spent almost a year in therapy pre-surgery to deal with why I ate, my food addiction issues, and why I got so fat, and remained fat basically my entire life, that I needed surgery. The therapy was my choice. I'm so glad I did it, in fact, still in therapy, working on adjusting to all these changes.

I think, and this is my opinion, that a lot of people lie or mislead these psychologists, because I see an awful lot of people on this forum complaining post-surgery, that they are starving, cheating, craving, and wanting all the same food they ate before surgery.

In all honesty, people don't get fat because they love food. They overeat for some non-food related reason. They are putting that much food in themselves because they have some underlying issues. When people don't address those issues, they are basically setting themselves up for failure. Once an addict always an addict. I'm just in recovery. I could fall of the wagon anytime, and I'm reminded of that daily. Luckily I have no hunger since my surgery. Hopefully that continues, as it's a great tool.

I hope it all goes well for you.

The therapist I met for my consult has been the biggest tool in my arsenal. I have continued to see her and I see her WAY more often than the NUT or Surgeon. She has checked on me, given me great tips and just generally been the best sounding board. I honestly don't know how anyone is getting through the process without a therapist.

@@Daisee68 That's exactly how I feel.

I couldn't have done this without the therapy.

I went to my psych evaluation today but I had to see the counselor first, I got back in August to see the psychologists. He just asked a bunch of questions, like mentioned before wanted to know about the support you have, what things you have tried to lose weight and why did I want to have the surgery? At the end he found no reason why I couldn't be cleared . Now I just have to wait for my 2nd appointment with the psychologist because he has the final say..

Good luck ????, I am sure you will be fine !

Oh my, I wasn't nervous before, but think I may be now. Lol. My Psych appt is this morning! I already stopped by his office the other day and filled out the paperwork ahead of time and answered the 175 question test then. Today we "meet". Wish me luck please ????

I went to see the psychologist yesterday and received my clearance! I am so happy ????

Psych appointment. Sept.9

Babykakes, how did it go today?

I have to say that I'm a huge fan of my psychologist and therapy. I've been going for years to deal with a number of issues. It's so great to have someone I can talk to about anything without judgement!! He is a source of great wisdom, encouragement, challenge and support for me. Might as well put him on a lifetime retainer! Lol

I went to see the psychologist yesterday and received my clearance! I am so happy ????

Oh that sound good, that next step for me.