Psych evaluation referred me to therapy - ThinnerTimes

Mrs Darling · 04-07-2008, 03:58 PM

I was wondering what to expect... I went to my psych evaluation on the 26th of March.. They had me fill out a questionaire.. only answering if I had certain emotions within 7 days.. of course within that week.. I had a spat with my husband which caused me to be emotional and cry, then got angry because I cried.. Just like a woman

so anywho to make a very long story sort of short.. She tells me that I have anger and hostility issues with a little bit of depression.. Wow I thought, I never knew nor did anyone around me ever experience me with those emotions.. So she referred me to get therapy.. Wednesday will be my second week in therapy.. However the therapist here tells me that she doesn't feel that I have anger or hostility issues.. a little bit of depression yes because what my life is offering me at the moment, dealing with my fathers battle with Leukemia..

So basically what my question is.... Has anyone gone through this? How long will this postpone my surgery? Will they do the surgery as long as I am in therapy?

Help!!

Thanks in advance!!
Heather

LyndasRoom · 04-07-2008, 04:13 PM

I'm sorry you're dad's ill, that is tough to go through.
Chances are, you can have your therapist write an evaluation, and you'll be in!

VTMoondog · 04-07-2008, 04:23 PM

Let me tell you about therapy.

I started mine about a year or so ago, and it just happened to be with the bariatric program's psychologist. She has been a godsend in my life. I can't even tell you all how much therapy has helped me. Before anyone goes and has this surgery, you must have your head in the right place, not only about the surgery, but about food and stuff in general. It took a long time for me to be where I am now in my head. Quite honestly, I don't think most programs including mine, make enough time for psych work, there shoudl be more....alot more. So far, it has been, and I think will prove to be THE most powerful and helpful part of my journey.
Thats my 2 cents....

-s-

Mrs Darling · 04-07-2008, 04:40 PM

Thank you both for replying..
I do agree about the therapy.. I haven't been going long but I'm excited to go back.. I'm re learning myself in ways that I forgot.. for 12 years I have been a mommy and a wife and for 32 years I have been a daughter.. So when you ask who am I? It's hard for me to give an answer...

but on the brighter note I'm sure I'll be able to answer that question very soon!! and I'm so excited about that!!

Janelle · 04-07-2008, 06:45 PM

I had been in therapy for almost two years when I had gbs. I think if you are of sound mind and have good coping skills, your therapist will give you the go ahead.

Mrs Darling · 04-07-2008, 07:14 PM

Okay that sounds great... I just don't know what to expect... new surgery, new life style, new therapy.. it's all so great!!

Dawn Crippen · 04-07-2008, 07:32 PM

Hi Heather,

I too was rejected because of the phsyic test and referred to therapy. It took two sessions and the approval letter was written. However, you need to talk to your surgeon to see what his/her requirements will be. Dont look at it as "oh no a delay" look at it as a chance to talk to a professional about your concerns with life. I got alot out of talking to someone outside my family, and having someone understand what I was feeling.

Dawn 6 weeks 6 days post op

SueRN · 04-08-2008, 04:29 AM

Heather, it sounds like at least you do have a positive and healthy attitude towards the therapy. There is no magic time frame. It's based on the sessions, you and your psycologist. I'm actually glad to see that Dr Pender's practice is taking the psych part a little more seriously. I have reviewed and denied some of his cases because of some evals that raised some major red flags. Like the other posters noted, to be successful long term, you really have to have your head in the game and it's better for them to be more cautious than to rush forward and set you up to fail. Generally, I see that most surgeons would like to see about 3 months, give or take. I have seen it as long as 6 months, but those were some really major red flags...like the person even saying they didn't feel they needed to follow the diet or change their lifestyle. I have seen some surgeons still send in the request for surgery with psych evals like that. Amazing! Just keep in mind it's not a matter of if...but when. You'll get there. Also, take the time now to start slowly making changes so it's not all at once. This really does help. Good luck and I'll keep your father in my prayers. Sue

Mrs Darling · 04-08-2008, 09:05 AM

Dawn and Sue,
Thank you both for replying.. All this is so new to me and the hard part, I didn't have anyone to talk to until NOW

about what I was going through, so of course I got other peoples opinions, some positive and some negative but mostly what they thought I wanted to hear.. and that isn't the journey that I am on.. I have new goals and a new outlook on life, so I need to do what is right for myself and what is right to have a completely sucessful surgery!! I wasn't expecting to be involved with therapy but that is a positive that I truly believe that God intended for me to have!! My life has been up and down just like anyone else, I have had my share of trials and tribulations, especially in the last 9 years when it came to my fathers cancer, I am/was always the one that someone turned to, too be strong.. with just about everything, my problem is, who do I turn to when I need to be weak?? I found her last week when I went to therapy and I am so overwelmed in a good way about this!! So I'm turning all my negatives into positives.. I already see a huge difference in my attitude.. and with each session, I know I will see more progress because she is truly amazing!!

Also, thank you for the time frame, I just needed an estimate time to figure everything out.. I still don't have an exact surgery date, I'm still in the process of my insurance doing my weigh in.. on the 18th will be my second weigh in