Question:
Did anyone who has a mental health history flunk a psych eval?

If so, for what specific issues?    — Lorri M. (posted on February 20, 2003)

February 20, 2003
I had to take the MMPI-2 for my psych eval and I failed it the first time. They say you can't flunk it, but I sure did. I am BPD, schizo-affective, and have major depression. I was able to take the test over and was successful the second time. Had my surgery 1-21-03, down 36#'s.
   — kb0lqx

February 20, 2003
Hi! I wouldn't worry too much about the psych eval. or MMPI2 test.I had to do both and I scored very high in the health and depression part of the test.The psychiatrist said that almost all of the people that she sees for wls do score very high in both of those areas.This result should not keep you from getting the surgery though.You may just have to start some therapy before surgery.
   — jennifer A.

February 20, 2003
You may not have to take any actual tests. Some docs/insurance companies want a psych eval so they know that you know what you are getting into, and that you will be able to deal with it. I had a psych eval for a surgeon I ended up not using and the psychologist was also looking to see if I had a good support system, or at least that I wasn't getting a lot of negativity from family and friends. It really isn't anything to worry about.
   — garw

February 21, 2003
I was diagnosed with depression when I was 16 (now 23) and on different meds for it, and I still passed or was given the "OK". I even had a psychologist who had WLS and was pretty much against it now. Why she was evaluating people for it then, I don't know. BUt it still worked out. Like the previous posters said, you may not need to worry about the psych eval too much. It also depends who is making you get it, insurance or doc? My insurance didn't need to know the results (AETNA PPO) but my doc does it more as a precautionary to make sure you know everything about the surgery and that u can handle it. I heard about all those tests with 100 or 1000 questions people have to take, but I didn't have to luckily. She just wrote down what I said and passed it on I guess. The worst thing I have heard is that someone can flunk and they make you get 6 months of counseling and then try again. But I haven't heard of that happening very often. goodluck, I wouldn't worry too much about it!
   — Lezlie Y.

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