I just heard from...

Dr. Gibbs' office. His nurse, Carrie, told me my insurance needs an endocrine workup, a pschyc evaluation, and a nutrition evaluation. Can anyone give me some information on the pschyc and nutrition evaluations? What should I expect???? How are the evaluations conducted? Just a little concerned since my family thinks I'm crazy! I'm getting excited now. I hope they don't deny me!!

YAY! I'm glad that your hearing from Dr. Gibb's office. I know what you mean about your family thinking that your crazy. My Husband was a little disappointed that I wasn't getting a phych eval! Melissa

Thanks Melissa, Carrie was very helpful and encouraging. I have already made an appointment in the morning with my PCP. Hopefully he will be able to get me set up with a nutritionist and pschychologist really soon. Just say a little prayer for me. Charlene

My surgeon sat up the nutrition eval w/the dietician at the hospital. Then she gave me several names of doctors who did the psych exams and let me make those arrangements. What my psych did was we talked for about 20 minutes and then I had to do 3 tests. One was oral the other 2 was on the computer. They were all about the same and had basically the same questions. There really wasn't anything to it. The cost of his visit was $450. The nutrition eval was $250 but that included meeting with the exercise consultant also at the hospital. Not only my family but everyone of my friends tried to talk me out of the surgery. I had no support from anyone. My husband said "I'll be there for you but don't expect me to be happy". But since I made it, he is happy and is so proud. He has been so supportive, caring and comforting. I also am down 78 pounds since May 25th and that is great! I went from a size 22 to a size 14 and just last night he said "you know, if you don't lose any more weight I like you just the way you are right now". WOW! was I proud. Good luck and keep posting. Glenn Gay Springdale Lap RNY 5/25/04

Hi Glenn, Thank you for your input and information... and CONGRATULATIONS on your LOSS! I really am getting anxious about this. I am soooo ready! I have been seeing a therapist for about 2 years now because of a post tramatic incident that took place in my life. When I first began seeing her, she was totally against me having this surgery. She suggested I start Weigh****chers...I did and lost 12 pounds. Gained 15. Then went on Atkins and lost some but could not keep it off. Gained back more than I lost with that one too. I've done every diet at least 15 times in my life only to see my weight come right back up. I've decided drastic measures take drastic means. I want to be healthy and live long enough to see my grandkids grow up. I need to stay healthy to work as long as I can. Just say a little prayer for me that I can get all this done quickly so I can get a surgery date soon. God bless, Charlene

Mostly the psych eval is to determine if you are able to understand and comply with the life changes that are required. Also if you understand and accept the risks. Virtually all WLS patients have food issues and histories of failed diets. They would like to eliminate people who are too unstable to do proper followup care. If you do not work to make sure you get the right nutrition, you can end up severely malnourished. That is a totally avoidable risk. I'm sure you will fly through these steps. Congratulations! Joy