I'm getting all my ducks in row to be approved for the band...surgeon's office said I could go ahead and set up the psych. eval. Just wondering what is involved in that? A questionairre? A discussion? I would imagine I'd have to put words to my problems with food...or rather, why food and I are such good friends! Would anyone like to tell me about their psych eval, and was everyone required to do one? Thanks as always, Cindy

Cindy,

Yes, I had to have one. I got the name of one from website of my surgeon. She arranged our appointment over the telephone. It cost $175.00 and lasted about 45 min. She was really nice, and had the lap band sugery herself. Basically, we talked about food, weight, diets I have tried...etc. Nothing really deep, like if we hated our parents.. She is in the Houston area.

Hope this helps,

I just had the psych consult this last week. I have never been to a psych for myself before, and its very unnerving for them to write down what you say LOL. Other than that, he just asked me about the surgery, why I wanted it, why I though I had a weight promblem and what I hoped to accomplish with the surgery. He did say I will probally have to come back and take a questioneer thing, but insurance most likely wont' pay for it...so not looking forward to dishing out another 150.00. I'm poor ya know. (the only stress I could think of was MONEY ) lol...so then he tells me this! LOL

Melissa

Thanks for all the info! So, did the insurance company pay for the initial visit? Or did you havea to fork out the $175 on the spot? I sure hope he/she asks me WHY I think I have a weight problem! LOL You would think it would be obvious! Thanks again! Cindy

My insurance did pay the intial, but I had to call up the behavorial services division and get "permission" to see a psychitrist. I had to see someone that was in network too.

Melissa

My insurance also paid for my visit, we have a seperate plan for mental health services (value options). I had to have the evaluation even if my insurance did not require it, my surgeon does. They did ask me how I felt about my family, including my mother. I had to fill out a 42 page long packet prior to the evaluation and then they asked me a list of questions. I had to explain the band and how it worked, what it did and how my life (ie food) would change after banding. It was pretty painless even with a student in the room. My major stress was my daughter, she is 4 and currently driving me a bit crazy. How many more days until school starts? I passed with flying colors, they actually said I was very well prepared for after banding life, thanks to all the wonderful LBTer's. ~Mandy

I had my psyc eval 2 weeks ago and it was pretty non-invasive too. It was paid by my insurance, minus my co-payment. We talked about my eating habits, when I started to gain weight and what other factors contribute to my obesity, i.e. illness (I've got PCOS), predispostion ( my mother had diabetes), stuff like that. We also discussed my understanding of the banding procedure to be sure that I recognized that it's only a tool not a quick fix. We discussed how & what to eat pre & post op according to my surgeons specifications. It was a great evaluation and she told right then and there that I was an excellent candidate. Once her paperwork was received by the surgeons office - it was forwarded to my insurance co. for approval (BCBS IL - PPO). So now I sit and wait.

It was painless, don't worry.

Thanks everyone! I feel much better informed about this now...I guess I better call and get an appt., just in case mine is one of those bajillion page ones...maybe they can mail it to me before I go!