Question:
What should I expect from a Psych eval?

I have a 90 minute phyc evaluation comming up this week plus with a 2 hour questioner before she meets with me..what should i expect?    — [Deactivated Member] (posted on June 10, 2001)

June 10, 2001
My eval was an hour long. Mostly she explained the surgery and the postop new life, she weighed me, she verified my BMI to be sure I qualified. She did not really ask alot of questions as to why I wanted to do this. She was there to make sure I understood and comprehended fully what I was getting myself into. She wasnt quite as knowledgeable about the surgery as I was, because this website has sooo much to teach us. She thought I was a nurse and told me I had to talk on her terms. She didnt even know what comorbidities were. But she passed me. Now what she did was send me a huge questioneer to fill out before I even came in. Then I sent them in ahead of time and she was able to read it. That was where the 20 questions came in as to why I wanted to do this and so on. Then I met with my surgeon for a consult for an hour and a half, then the following week I met with his dietician. She was tough one. She drilled me and asked me why I wanted to do this, and how did I think I was going to follow my new diet restrictions if I couldn't loose weight on my own beforehand and so on. I was prepared for her though. I had a quick answer to each of her questions. She also passed me. She goes over your diet postop and talks about your protein, calcium, iron, vitamins, etc. Just be confident and strong, and don't let them discourage you, that's what they try to do to see how serious you are. At least that is what my counselor & dietician did. Good luck !!!
   — Karla K.

June 10, 2001
The Psych Evaluation is quite different depending on the doctor. Mine was nothing like the previous response. <BR> <BR> I was told ahead of time that there would be a 45 minute Q&A time, which actually meant I spent this entire duration completing various forms. <BR> <BR> They began with my profile, name, address, age, medical history, diet history, insurance info. Following that there were about 20 papers, which posed various scenarios and I had to choose the answer which best presented my view point or reaction. I honestly felt many of these questions were leading or ambigious. <BR> <BR> Following that, there were papers on alcohol use, drug use, and personality traits. They were fair enough, yes/no answers and very straightforward. <BR> <BR> I met with the doctor at the time specified, no waiting, which was great. My doctor was a lady, mid 50's I'd say, polite and very probing. <BR> <BR> Her job is to determine that I am going for this surgery for all of the right reasons. She must determine that I know the risks involved and the routine which is expected after surgery to ensure success. She questioned me heavily on both of these two areas. IF you do not know what exactly happens to your body with this surgery, the potential risks involved [both during the operation, immediately afterwards, and extended], and the level of commitment, NO doctor SHOULD or WILL support your decision. <BR> <BR> GOOD LUCK!
   — [Anonymous]

June 10, 2001
My psych eval was no big deal. She asked me some questions - mostly about my history. Then we talked about the surgery a bit. I think she wanted to make sure I didn't think I was going to snag Tom Cruise now that I was going to lose the weight!! LOL No forms, no quizzes, no paperwork. Good luck to you.
   — blee01

June 11, 2001
Mine psych eval was nothing like I expected. We spent about 5 minutes of the hour and half talking about the surgery, the rest was just general "chit-chat", job, kids, husband, like talking with a friend you haven't seen in a while.
   — beachbum6264

June 11, 2001
Don't volunteer any extra info! Becareful what you say and how you say it. They will find any excuse no matter how small to deny you. Psychiatrists are a rip off. I've had to deal with them for years because of getting approval for my previous surgeries and the last one for my bypass. He was the worst. Plan what you are going to say, and try to antisapate what he/she might ask. They will try to twist anything you say. At least mine did. That added an extra 5 months on the wait. Crooks is what they are. Money hungry crooks who want to drag things out to get more money.
   — Danmark

June 11, 2001
Debra, my physc consult was no big deal either. I too was concerned and wondered what it would be like. But, we basically had very general conversations regarding family, work, hobbies, reasons for surgery, family history etc. He was a very pleasant man and was easy to talk to. I have never had any type of physc visits before and didn't know what to expect. My Dr. wrote a great letter in support of my decision and wished me well and wants me to let him know how it all turns out. But, I also agree with the other poster, don't give up too much information that you feel might hurt you in any way. Relax and you'll do fine. Good luck!!
   — Betty M.

June 11, 2001
Generally alot of personal questions regarding weight of course. What have you tried, the most you ever lost and what year, any depression or other emotional issues that had to be treated and when, why you want to lose the weight, how much do you know about the procedure and if you have yet particiapted in a support group, what you expect once you lose the weight, ect.....nothing tough or alarming to deal with...just exptensive questions. Many are written or verbal. Mine was verbal and lasted a mere 5 minutes although some of the people from my support group who went on longer sessions like yours were written. Please do not worry over it!!! Good Luck!
   — [Anonymous]

June 11, 2001
Hi again! I forgot to add too that it is better to go with a psych that your surgeon works with in matters like these or ask the office for any reccommendations of one that is supportive with people considering WLS too! If this one does find something wrong with your evaulation..don't hestiate to contact another! I think that is how I lucked out..I asked my surgeon and then the people in the office and they gave me a business card of one that was great! Now they use him on a regular basis now! Good Luck!
   — [Anonymous]

June 11, 2001
If you are a "grazer" don't admit it! But DO WORK TO CHANGE IT ON YOUR OWN. Admitting that hurt me bad. I know it's my weakness and I am careful. But it will hurt you. So beware.
   — Danmark

June 15, 2001
Hi! I am a brand new post op and my psych evaluation was just days before the surgery, so I remember everything! I had the same kind of thing - a 2 hour questionnaire and an interview. Don't let people scare you! Most psychiatrists are not that horrible. I was petrified when I went in for the interview because I do have a lot of emotional problems, but my interviewer was so nice. I want to reiterate what other people are saying, though. It is very important that you understand what you are getting into, and they want to know that. Most of my questions dealt with my eating habits - what a typical day for me is like - and how my weight has affected me. The thing they are really looking for is to make sure that you know that this is a serious operation and that YOU are doing it for YOU. Also, they want to make you aware of things that could happen after surgery. For example, I had no idea that people suffered from post op depression until the psychiatrist told me. In fact, HE was the one who recommended that I visit this website. Just try to relax and be yourself, but don't offer any kind of information that could be questionable, you know? I hope this helps you. Anyway, best of luck to you. You will be in my prayers!
   — Alyssa B.

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