Question:
What shall I expect from a psych evaluation?

I know I'm not crazy but will HE think I am? I have a tentative surgery date for 1/16/02. I've done everything my insurance said to do... referral from PCP, surgery consult (two different surgeons) and I'm pretty sure I meet their criteria. The surgeon that I originally signed up with doesn't do lap RNY's, only open, so I switched to a new collegue of his who does laps. However, the old surgeon doesn't require a psych evaluation - but the new one does. I know I'm not nuts, but will this psych evaluation say I am? I've never seen a psychiatrist, so I don't know what to say or do. They are sending me some 17-page form to fill out. Can anyone give me examples of what kinds of "if you could be a tree, what kind would you be", I'll fail!    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 30, 2001)

November 30, 2001
I JUST HAD MY EVAUL A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO AND SHE ASKED ME THE STANDARD QUESTIONS LIKE ARE YOU DEPRESSED, HAVE YOU EVEER TRIED TO HARM YOURSELF,DO YOU HALLAUNICATE(yeah bout being skinny...)SHE ALSO FOCUSED ALOT ON THE SUPPORT OR LACK OF IT AT HOME SHE ASKED IF I WAS OK WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS LOOKING AT ME WHEN I AM EATING SMALLER MEALS AND IF I COULD ADJUST. SHE ALSO ASKED IF I UNDERSTOOD THAT ALTHOUGH MY EATING WOULD BE DIFFERENT MY MIND MAY NOT CATCH UP WITH THE STOMACHE FOR SOME TIME...HOPE THIS HELPS
   — chinadoll_491

November 30, 2001
I think the psych consult is a good idea. Its designed to save people from themselves. Alcoholics are NOT good surgery candidates and the evaluation is designed to weed them out. This is the main reason for psych rejection. post op life is better but the eating rules are permanent. The main purpose is are you aware of what your planning and how eating will be? If it saves one person from a miserable life I am ALL for it. Reversals although possible are complex and dangerous, better to stop before surgery those who would regret it later/
   — bob-haller

December 8, 2001
i just had the test the other day he asked me why i wanted the surgery just tell him that you want it done to get healthy again that staying in the house not going places and having health problems was not living --to realize this os the solutions and that you have done a lot of research lets him know that you are sane and serious i asked him after the meeting was done was i sane and he just laughed and said that i knew i was sane when i walked in this place i didnt need his feed back to tell me so goodlick sandy
   — sandy E.

December 8, 2001
I also had to have a psych. eval I was really worried about the fact that I am on anti-depressants, had a screwed up past, and a messed up young adult life. Everyone said be honest, and I was. To counter her questions about my past and childhood I told her I have been with my husband for 19 years I am able to make commitments and follow through. I have tried dieting for over 20 years without success and if that isn't motivation I don't know what is. She did recommend that I continue with the anti-depressants for several months after surgery because there is a high risk for depression after surgery. I stressed about the psych. but it was pretty basic and I knew when I left her office she would support the surgery.
   — Valerie P.

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