What to expect on psych eval? HELP

[shelly7 23]

I go for my psych eval I'm so nervous! Idk what to expect I used to take meds I'm scared I may fail ...help please I just got approved by my insurance

[WalkOnWaking 139]

How did you get approved before they psych evaluation? I guess every plan is different, but I thought they all required that.

The evaluation I had was a few hours long. It consisted of multiple choice questions (hundreds of them!), followed by an interview with the psychologist. He asked me what I understood about the surgery, asked why I thought it was the right thing for me to do, what my expectations were, etc.

In the end he said I was well adjusted and understood what would be required of me, and felt I would comply with the post-operative lifestyle changes.

Easy, just be honest.

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,899]

The surgery is only a tool to help us lose weight. If there are deep rooted problems or compulsive behaviors that might undermine the success of the WLS, they will help people address these or at the very worst, get control of "what is eating them" first, before the surgery.

Also, if someone has an addictive personality, there may be a cross addiction (alcohol, smoking, gambling, etc.) that could be developed post-WLS.

Answer honestly, it is for your own good and success.

[The Candidate 3,215]

I too was approved before the psych evaluation. Seeing the surgeon, the psych evaluation and meeting with the internist were the very last steps before surgery, so each process is indeed unique. I had this 3 in 1 appointment all in one day.

In my case the psych evaluation was the easiest of all. It only took about 20 minutes, involving a very relaxed one on one discussion. She asked about my expectations and knowledge of the surgery, my home life, upbringing, diet and exercise, support system, among other things. The bottom line was really to determine if I had a good understanding of what I was getting into, along with my part in it. I know some others require written multiple choice questions, but mine didn't.

Just be yourself and answer truthfully and you'll be fine. Good luck!

[BookWorm 87]

Mine was a joke. Don't stress about it as you will walk out of it thinking, "I can't believe I got that worked up". Speaking from my experience only, I wished I could have written the check and walked out. He didn't care, I didn't care, he wasn't interested, I wasn't interested. I agree with the above. Just be honest but don't reveal too much and you will be fine. The 100 question questionnaire was a joke as well.

[trekker954 421]

I too needed it prior to getting insurance approved. I really had a tough time finding a psychologist in the area familiar with this requirement. Granted I was looking for a visit Chrsitmas week. But I had tentatively scheduled an appointment, where he said it would take about two hours. We'd talk and then he was going to put me on a computer to take two psychological tests. Yikes. He made my appointment a couple of weeks out and then in that time, I found someone who could see me sooner. I went, we spoke for about 20 minutes. He asked a lot of questions and liked that I had evidence of being committed (worked for same company 30 years, married for a gazillion years, had well adjusted kids, and had the family support) and no evidence of drug use, etc. That was about it. My insurance did pay the "office visit", however, he did have a heafty charge for the "evaluation report" sent to my surgeon. Total out of pocket was $171. I was not happy about that. Between all the co pay visits, and extra testings for clearance by my cardiologist, pulmonologist, PCP weight loss program, I'm definitely shelling out a lot of money.

[funredneckgal 17]

Mine did not go so well. I was honest. I take meds for depression and anxiety. Even though I was well prepared, she denied me because she felt I needed more counseling. I took the next two months talking to my psychologist about helping me change her mind. He had me do a 1 month chart of my mood and anxiety levels. Said he thought I could handle it and talked to her on my behalf. Now I have to go see her on Jan 13 for a short reevaluation to get my approval and you can bet I will be watching everything I say to her. It's my life and it will solve more problems than it could ever create in my case. I agree with not revealing too much. But be honest enough they don't question your integrity. Good luck.

[shelly7 23]

Thank u guys