I just found out my insurance (UHC) requires you to meet with the psychologist first and then if approved then you have the testing. Does anyone know what this all involves?? Anything you should/shouldn't say that might make you not get approved??

I was a bit nervous but it was super relaxed and casual he was awesome asked about several things but no worries it's not bad

I really enjoyed my psych evaluation. We talked for an hour about my past efforts to lose weight, why I believed surgery was a good option for me, and my dedication to life post-op. Afterward, I had to take a battery that took me a little over an hour. It was a good experience.

The psychologist is just looking to see that you understand the ramifications of surgery and that you are a good prospect for adhering to the required life post-op. Honesty is the best policy with this event.

Unfortunately psychology is a fickle profession and even with an educational background one can easily misunderstand something another tells them. So be clear and concise and don't muse/talk too much or give them anything else to think about.

For me being honest is good enough but with severe ADHD I'm very prone to rambling which has got me in trouble when it comes to professions like this where perception can override facts.

Example: I was openly musing about the difference in satiety the VSG and RNY had. To a psychologist who was overly zealous because I didn't use the scientific terminology (I said "hunger drive" instead of satiety) they presumed I meant I want to do nothing but drink chocolate milkshakes post op. I kid you not. This caused me to have to have more psychologist and RD appointments to convince them I wasn't intending to eff off the surgery with some eating disorder. So I learned the hard way to be short and concise yet still honest.

Edited March 14, 20179 yr by PatientEleventyBillion

It's just to rule out depression and eating disorders.
I did some psychiatry classes in school so I pretty much knew what to say and how to say it..

I did my psych eval through an online company. 15 minute phone call and I was done and approved. Paid for by insurance and accepted by insurance for approval. Easy

It was pretty easy. They ask a billion questions. They are just making sure your okay to have surgery. Because this is a very life changing surgery. You got this. Just be yourself.


HW: 420 (January 2016)
CW: 270 (March 2017)

Instagram: vsg_queendiet

Mine lasted maybe 20mins....max!!! Just answer the question that's asked and DONT RAMBLE ON ABOUT NOTHING!!!!! You really be surprised how much your heart reveals in the ramble. You got this!!!

Why did u have to have a psych evaluation??...

On 3/13/2017 at 11:00 PM, msmanda84 said:

I just found out my insurance (UHC) requires you to meet with the psychologist first and then if approved then you have the testing. Does anyone know what this all involves?? Anything you should/shouldn't say that might make you not get approved??

For me, it was pretty much easy. He asked the following questions:

1) Relationship with food

2) support system

3) Any history of depression.

4) any other mental illnesses

Mines was pretty laid back as we talked a lot about myself and my life. I was very outgoing and open with him. I think it depends on the Pyschologist as well. Some have stated that the person they have spoken with is very judgemental and cold.

It should not be bad though.