I have heard several people say that a part of the psych evaluation was the question of what would replace food for you, esp if food is a crutch or addiction for you pre-band.

I guess the answers will be as varied as hepeople who answer but I am curious, what did you say? And has post-band reality match to what you said?

I dunno. I was advised not to share my penchant for covering myself in green Jel-O and running nekkid down my block. :omg:

Other than that, if asked, I am going to tell the truth. I don't know. I work, I write, I have a husband, daughter, horse, dog, cat and two pet white rats. I have 3 books to write, one to finish and I'm waiting on my day with the cover artist for another. I think I'll have to say, "I'm busy. But I'll find time to walk and/or go to the pool instead of eating a loaf of bread."

I sometimes wonder if I'll get turned down for the surgery. However, why would they not take my money? I am more afraid of them saying, "no" to me than I am of passing the psych eval. Jeez...I'm 348lbs. I'm a private payer. They'd have no reason to turn me down! Fear...fear...ain't worth the time.

Wish I could give you a good answer.......but I'm 16 mo. out and still haven't found the answer. I keep thinking I'll find a wonderful hobby or a new friend but it hasn't happened yet.

If the shrink asks you that, ask him/her for suggestions that have worked for other people.....they love to give you their opinions and advice...LOL!! (I can say that, I'm one of them!).

I am self pay and had a not so good, but enlightening pysch examine and was still approved. The Doctor already told me not to worry about it. I do have to everything the guy recommended & prove it before surgery. But my insurance will pay for all that. I worry about that to but am waiting to get a date next week.

Going to my psych eval was weird but kinda fun. The doc ended up thinking i am spoiled and pretty conceited but whatever. I love myself and I am not ashamed of it. I just told him when I wanted something I couldnt have I would look forward to the end result.

More than anything I wanted to convey that I had a realistic idea of what life would be after banding. I told her honestly that in my case I was preparing myself for an onslaught of depressive symptoms once I couldn't bury those feelings under an avalanche of food and so I would continue in weekly psychotherapy.

They also want to hear that you see the band as a tool and not a magic bullet yada yada yada...Unlike Mary Jo in "Big Medicine", most are only interested in screening out folks that may not have the capacity or willingness to comply with the program regimen.

I've only been banded for 9 weeks but so far I would have to say that from an emotional standpoint, things have been easier than I anticipated.

It was pretty easy for me since I see the shrink who did my eval at the gym every day. I told her I was going to continue to work out, and if I felt stressed out, that going to the gym always helps that!

Mine was fairly smiple. Took about 15 minutes. He justed to make sure I understood that it was a tool and not cure all. What was funny about it was he wanted to learn more about my type of work and what an Engineer does. I told him that there is many differant types of Eng. in construction. I feel that it's was a waste of time and money. But understand why the doctor wants to cya himself.

Chris

Pre Band

St. Louis