psychological evaluation. - ThinnerTimes

pip · 07-15-2006, 01:13 PM

has anybody had to have a psychological evaluation preformed brfore getting GBS? does anybody know exactly what their looking for? I am kind of stumped as to why I need this as a criteria, to be honest.

I am not even sure of what specific questions to ask here about it, other then trying to find out more af their thinking. I would be lying if I said wasn't curious as to what there looking for. I would rather not end up being turned down because I answered a question they might ask, that is not to there liking, or not answered the way they could misinterpret it differently then my original meaning. I am not one that is elliquent with speaking, and getting across exactly what i am trying to say. this kind of bothers me a bit. Not that i am losing sleep over it or anything.

any help on this matter would be appreciated.

ShmennaJ · 07-15-2006, 02:36 PM

The psychological evaluation is really easy. I have a therapist that I've been going to since before I decided that I wanted to get GB and she told me what they were looking for. Basically, they just want to make sure that you are mentally stable enough to handle this surgery both before and after, and if you need to be on medication that you are indeed on it. Also, they want to make sure that you realize that this is a life changing surgery but it isn't a magic wand that is going to fix everything in your life and that you play a major part in your own success. They want you to also realize that if you don't use the time that your body is healing to change your bad habits that you could gain the weight back. Oh, and they want to make sure you realize the serious side effects the surgery can have on your body both immediately after and long term (leaking staples, infection, blood clots, death, gallstones, vitamin dificiencies, nutrition struggles, etc.). I don't know if my therapist was looking for this or if it was something that they wanted on the psych eval, but she wanted to make sure that I knew that everyone's response to the surgery might not be a positive one - which I did. My dad had the surgery two years ago and even though all of his children are thrilled that he had it becuase it honestly saved his life , my mom throws it in his face everytime she goes to the gym.
All in all I think it's just another way for them to make sure that you have really thought out this whole process. Don't be nervous just go in and tell the truth about whatever you are asked and you should be fine.

Best of Luck~
Jenna

coptergirl · 07-15-2006, 06:35 PM

Mine had me meet with her and take 2 phychological tests that determined my personality toward eating. I saw the results, and it was pretty much right on the money. It is also a requirement for most insurance companies. They also want to make sure you are not a drug addict or suicidal...

Gina in NY · 07-15-2006, 07:56 PM

Just part of the process. They need to make sure you don't have untreated depression, an eating disorder that might cause you to hurt yourself after your surgery, or some other reason that this surgery would put you in danger. My evaluator also really wanted to hear that I was comfortable with the idea of seeking therapy if I encounter emotional problems related to the changes WLS might cause in my life.

I didn't take any written tests, but I did have to fill out an "information" form that asked me in about 20 different ways if I was a binge eater. They worry about that, because if you don't stop eating you can hurt your pouch, or at the very least, you could spend all your time vomiting.

My doctor also said, "Make sure you thingk about this carefully. For some obsese people, food is their best friend. If thats you, I'm going to take away your best friend." We all sat there wide eyed, but here I am on the other side, happier than I could have imagined.

Good luck!!

vbee · 07-16-2006, 05:50 AM

I wish mine had been more informative. It lasted 5 minutes and I paid $195! I didn't now what to expect. he asked me if I was depressed and what I was taking. I said a little bit and I was taking celexa, 40mg, which isn't alot. He asked me if I was obese as a child, and I said no. He asked me if I get upset when people stare at me because I'm fat. I said, I really don't notice it because I am more focus on being sure I don't run into anything. He said okay your done...and that was it.

pip · 07-19-2006, 02:05 PM

thanks for the reply's, i have a better understanding of whats going on, and what is expected. all these different tests that i'm gettin done, my surgeon will probably know me better then I know me. he's getting me lined up to be testing for everything under the sun.

Just got my blood work done yesterday, she sucked out 7 vials of blood ( glad she left me a little ), she mentioned that the doc was testing for just about everything.

If nothing else, I will be getting one heck of an education for the next couple months.