Just Had My Psych Evaluation - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Highlandlass · 10-23-2009, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TxHunni

Kantonucci...they really did ask me that too. Several times, in different ways - probably to see if they could trip me up. They also asked me if I loved my father, loved my mother, and would I ever paint pictures of flowers.

Highlandlass...the whole thing was a joke as far as I was concerned. But, being that it's part of the process, I went along with it. It wasn't painless, eye-opening, or otherwise. It was just 2 hours that had to be endured.

I admit, I worried about it ahead of time, wondering if they'd misinterpret something I said and then have a whole flood of whatever come out and prevent the surgery (Yes, they ask about paranoia too LOL). It's over. I'm glad.

I think its an important part of the process and gives the psych team a chance to make sure you are stable and in a frame of mind to really get through the pre-op and post op work you have to do. Some of the questions were probably odd to you but were part of their screening process. At least it wasn't painful and you are now on the way to a healthier and "lighter" life. Way to Go!!!!
I didn't have to have a psych evaluation but was under the care of a psychiatrist and therapist for a while about 5 years ago when I was diagnosed as bi-polar (manic/depressive). The psychiatrist wanted to put me on Lithium, but my fam. doc wanted to avoid all the side effects from that very strong chemical and put me on Effexor which worked for a while, followed by Prozac which I take every day. I was honest with the surgeon about my mental state and it didn't stop him from doing the surgery. This is not to say you weren't honest, just wanted to share my history with you too.
Good luck with your journey and keep us informed of your progress.
(((( hugs ))))

ClarkeStone · 10-24-2009, 03:56 AM

Mine lasted 20 minutes, and ten of it was him asking about my blackberry. I kinda think it's hard to get my state of mind down on paper - my persona has always been one of a showman, as a defensive mech to stop people from knowing the real me.

Would he have ok'd me if I woudl have gone in there and he'd have seen the real me? Probably not.

Jodi · 10-24-2009, 05:41 AM

I had my psych evaluation last week. He asked me if I felt depressed (which I said no) and if I had support (which I said yes). Then for the entire 20 minutes he talked about himself!!!!

Hychap2009 · 10-24-2009, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kantonucci

Hi all!

I am new to the site and just wanted to see if my psych evaluation was out of the norm.

I was in the office for literally 15 minutes for my psych evaluation. Is this normal? I thought for sure I was going to be in there for at least an hour. After the session the doc told me he would send a favorable report to my surgeon. I really thought there would be more to it, but it was just so painless.

Hi Kantonucci

Firstly welcome to the TT family. I'm confident you will find many answers to any questions you may have right here. Loads of support, new friends, information and a place to vent if you wish.

From what i've noticed here most people seem to go through a psych evaluation - sensibly, it seems to be a necessary requirement. Here in the UK, this was not necessary. In actual fact the WLS process is similar but definately less informative before surgery.

Anyway, wishing you a wonderful beginning to the journey you're about to embark on. Keep us posted as to your progress.

Good luck.

TxHunni · 10-24-2009, 08:52 AM

I loved the question about whether I saw things that weren't there. If I see them, they're OBVIOUSLY there. Perhaps I shouldn't have answered the question and claim that I didn't think it was really there. lol

poet_kelly · 10-24-2009, 09:23 AM

I know it seems like a silly question to ask, do you hear voices or do you see things that aren't there, but you have to remember, some people really do hear voices or see things that aren't there. About 1% of the population has schizoprenia, and they do have hallucinations. If someone is doing a psych eval, they should be asking that.

I used to work as a social worker and I ran an anger management program for teens. And we got a lot of kids referred by their schools 'cause they got suspended for fighting or something. And most were fairly "normal" teenagers, whatever that means. But when I did intakes, I had to ask if they'd ever used drugs, and if they'd ever tried to kill themselves, and all that stuff. And some people would get offended. But I had to ask. 'Cause some had. And needed treatment for those things.

Kelly

dswofford · 10-24-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodi

I had my psych evaluation last week. He asked me if I felt depressed (which I said no) and if I had support (which I said yes). Then for the entire 20 minutes he talked about himself!!!!

That's just funny

Jodi · 10-25-2009, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dswofford

That's just funny

It is funny. I am in a 3 month program required by the insurance and given by the hospital. Some of the appointments are a waste of time but I must complete it for my insurance (I have Aetna insurance) to be approved for surgery. I will be done with the program at the end of December and should have surgery by the end of January. I am looking forward to living life to its fullest!!!!

Highlandlass · 10-25-2009, 07:18 AM

I don't know if its as funny as it is pathetic! The insurance companies are paying these clowns to evaluate people to see if they are good candidates for the surgeries. Talking about themselves, asking about cell phones and texting, commenting on hair styles and nail colour - how does that equate? No wonder insurance is expensive paying these folk to massage their own egos.
Here I was at the beginning of this thread defending the psych evaluations but now I've read more and understand a bit more and am doing an about face on this subject. I'm happy I didn't have to go through an experience like that. There must be a governing body that people can use to voice their concerns on this. The insurance companies should be told what they are paying for. Its almost criminal!!!! And, yes, my red-headed, Scottish temper is flaring and my blood is boiling too.

Jodi · 10-25-2009, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highlandlass

I don't know if its as funny as it is pathetic! The insurance companies are paying these clowns to evaluate people to see if they are good candidates for the surgeries. Talking about themselves, asking about cell phones and texting, commenting on hair styles and nail colour - how does that equate? No wonder insurance is expensive paying these folk to massage their own egos.
Here I was at the beginning of this thread defending the psych evaluations but now I've read more and understand a bit more and am doing an about face on this subject. I'm happy I didn't have to go through an experience like that. There must be a governing body that people can use to voice their concerns on this. The insurance companies should be told what they are paying for. Its almost criminal!!!! And, yes, my red-headed, Scottish temper is flaring and my blood is boiling too.

Rhonda, I agree with you. When I came home from the appointment, I said to my husband "I wonder what he got paid for talking about himself!"