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Psychological evaluation ! What to say ? What not to say ?



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I'm a licensed therapist and these types of evaluations are extremely common. It is safe to say that the vast majority of WLS patients have issues with food. (Myself included) That is a given. They aren't looking for some perfectly "normal" person to come waltzing in. All they're really looking for are possible contraindications to surgery. For example, someone who has a weight loss goal that is way outside the realm of possibility. Or someone who has a history of anorexia or bulimia. Someone who thinks weight loss will solve every single life problem they have. That kind of thing. They basically want to make sure you don't go into surgery with unreal expectations. Because, if you do, the failure rate is much higher.

But just be honest. If you are depressed then admit that. (Many obese people are). If you are afraid, admit that. Who isn't afraid?? I

They will ask you why you want to lose weight. How much weight do you expect to lose. How will your life change when you lose weight. What will you do when you become discouraged. What kind of an eater are you? (Emotional? Bored eater? Grazer? )

They are simple questions and anything you don't understand it's totally ok to say so.

Try to relax. Take it easy. Be honest, be yourself and you'll do fine.


Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12!
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

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My Psych eval is June 7th and it is 90 minutes long!!! I can't imagine needing all that time, but maybe there is a questionaire or something. I am sure they don't want anyone suicidal, or with severe eating disorders that have not been addressed in some way - at least that is my hope.

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On 5/28/2017 at 11:16 AM, kbellakat said:

I have my psych evaluation may 30th w Kaiser .

Does anyone have any pointers for me pls ?

What to expect at this appointment ?

TELL THE TRUTH!

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I have Kaiser and they just want to make sure you have a realistic view of the surgery and the changes you have to make in your life. I suffer from depression and thought they would maybe hold it against me, but they didn't. I was brutally honest and that's all they really want. They want to know that you can handle the lifestyle changes the surgery brings.


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I have Kaiser and they just want to make sure you have a realistic view of the surgery and the changes you have to make in your life. I suffer from depression and thought they would maybe hold it against me, but they didn't. I was brutally honest and that's all they really want. They want to know that you can handle the lifestyle changes the surgery brings.




Thanks so much that's reassuring[emoji173]️[emoji106]
I'm on the right track so far .. just busy lifestyle w triplets .. nothing that I can't handle .. [emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji4]
Do u have a date ? Or u have surgery yet ?


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32 minutes ago, cassiegurl said:

I have Kaiser and they just want to make sure you have a realistic view of the surgery and the changes you have to make in your life. I suffer from depression and thought they would maybe hold it against me, but they didn't. I was brutally honest and that's all they really want. They want to know that you can handle the lifestyle changes the surgery brings.

My doctor recommends that, post surgery, you be put on anti depression meds to cope with the changes. You may not realize you are acting differently. Sometimes due to weight loss, the hormone changes can play a number on your balance.

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My Psych eval is June 7th and it is 90 minutes long!!! I can't imagine needing all that time, but maybe there is a questionaire or something. I am sure they don't want anyone suicidal, or with severe eating disorders that have not been addressed in some way - at least that is my hope.


Since you're scheduled for 90 minutes, it's possible they may ask you to do an MMPI personality inventory. It's just a bunch of multiple choice questions about what type of person you are. If you have to do it, don't overthink it. Just answer straight forward. It is designed to pick out people who lie so don't try. Be honest and you'll be fine. I would also ask for a copy of the results as they are super interesting and usually dead on regarding your personality. You'll probably enjoy reading it.


Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12!
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

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I had a pysch that worked with the Bariatric surgeon's office. All they are looking for is if you are stable for the surgery and that you are going into it for the right reasons. I was more put off by him asking every few minutes if I had the money to pay for it and how much it was. He asked what my childhood was like and my current life situation. I also filled out this 600 bubble questionnaire - which I never saw what became of it.


I mentioned this to another user. You most likely did an MMPI personality inventory. They are 568 questions long. If I were you I would call his office and get a copy of the results. They are super interesting to read and are usually dead on about your personality.


Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12!
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

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Thank you so much!
Good luck [emoji256][emoji106]
Your gonna do great !
June 12th is also my triplets
b day ..[emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji173]️





Oh very cool. Happy birthday to your kiddos. Two weeks from today! I'm super excited!


Transitioning from lapband to bypass on June 12!
HW: 402, CW: 314, GW 185

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Thanks so much that's reassuring[emoji173]️[emoji106]
I'm on the right track so far .. just busy lifestyle w triplets .. nothing that I can't handle .. [emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji173]️[emoji4]
Do u have a date ? Or u have surgery yet ?



I completed Options and I see the surgeon on June 8th.
Triplets? [emoji33][emoji23] Wow! Busy is an understatement!


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Awesome [emoji1319] you are getting close to a date too !!!
Yes life gets crazy sometimes but tripz are 10 now ... so gets easier in different ways .. meaning I make them be help mommy out all the time .. lol [emoji23]!!!
I met surgeon ,nutritionist & surgery coordinator.. last requirements is pysh & one more lab test / tsh .. hypothyroidism


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Awesome [emoji1319] you are getting close to a date too !!!
Yes life gets crazy sometimes but tripz are 10 now ... so gets easier in different ways .. meaning I make them be help mommy out all the time .. lol [emoji23]!!!
I met surgeon ,nutritionist & surgery coordinator.. last requirements is pysh & one more lab test / tsh .. hypothyroidism




Wow! The closer I get to this the more excited I get. All my labs have been done and we're ok. I assume they will run them again before surgery. I've gotten my post surgery Vitamins and Protein stuff. [emoji1490][emoji1490][emoji1490][emoji2]


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Great !!
Me too !! Got all my Vitamins & Protein.
Labs done & ok except the tsh /thyroid problem .. I had no idea I had hypothyroidism .. pcd gave me meds synthroid to help .. I had lab re test 24th now I'm hyperthyroidism... med induced .. crazy !!
Guess pills worked to good .. so I'm sure I have to just re test again in few weeks then I'll get my date soon !!
I'll find out more tomorrow morning after phyc eval .


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