Psych eval - What should I expect

Folks wondered what to expect. I have a psych eval this week and I wondered what they look for. They mentioned anxiety and depression. I can't say I am depressed much but I do have some anxiety problems. Will that make it risky for me? What do I have to look forward to?

Hi Sid, Welcome to the CT Board . I am not sure where you are having your psych eval done but it is usually pretty painless.... There will probably be a questionaire (200-300 questions) that you need to fill out and then 2 hour meeting with someone. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just be yourself. It is meant to help people to realize they may need some assistance with some issues before or after surgery. Alot of us have issues and losing weight doesn't change most of those issues so recognizing them and working on them is a big step to being successful with this whole process. Good luck with your quest and feel free to email with further questions or post on the board. Don't be a stranger. Linda

HI Sid! Welcome to the message board! When I had my evaluation, I was also a little concerned like you are now. I had to meet with a therapist twice, the first to talk for an hour, then to take a test (mine had 600 questions), then a follow up visit to talk about the outcome. I had no problem at all with getting approved by the therapist for the surgery, and as much as I dreaded taking the test, it actually gave me some insight into "me." Good luck - it'll be fine - and keep us posted! Tammy

Hi Sid, Had mine yesterday...had to take a "test"...bascially answer about 100 questions...and they were questions rephrased that asked the same thing over and over...I was consistent...then had an interview and went over a brief synopsis of my life...my weight issues....origins...she got sort of a thumbnail sketch of my whole life and hx of weight problem and things I tried to get it off...I was honest with her, but did not go in depth because there was not enough time if she got any misconceptions....and she reinforeced that people can die from this surgery as with any surgery and asked how I planned on handling the lifestyle changes etc...I gave answers that illustrated that I have given this deep thought.. It was a relaxed atmosphere and I am sure yours will be likewise!! Best Wishes, Sher'

Hi Sid, I assume you are meeting with Chris Lodi.... He is great and there is no written "test' to be taken. My meeting w/ him lasted less than half an hour. He is very nice and easy to talk to. Let him know about your anxiety issues! Please don't hide anything, it will hurt you down the road. He reccomended a second "just in case" medication for my anxiety (I am already on a anti anxiety/ anti depressant daily). I never got a Rx since I didn't feel I really needed it. Point being, he cares and want to see us succeed. The potential problems he is looking for is not being able to commit to a lifestyle change or not understanding what is involved. Just relax and be honest, that is the most important thing! Carmen

Sid- I had my surgery with Dr. Valin, so my psych eval was with Chris Lodi. I did not have a written test. I already know I am crazy so they didn't find anything wrong with me that wasn't already diagnosed. Don't be nervous, just relax and take Carmen's advice, also. She went to Chris. Good Luck- Anastacia