The dreaded psych eval.

Hello everyone

I just made my appointment for my pych eval. Its for 9-30.  Now what can I expect?  I have kind of tried to self analyze myself and I think the reason I eat too much is because of my childhood.  When I was little we were very poor (either we ate from the local food pantry or used food stamps) and food was a luxury.  Skipped meals were a regular thing.  We never ate out, and dessert was rare.  Now I can afford this luxury and I have splurged ( way too much). 

Also, my family (not myself) have had/has problems with drugs and alcohol abuse.  If I say something like this will they not let me have the surgery??? 

I guess what I'm saying is, if I'm truthful about this stuff will they deny me???  I'm scared that they will say "this girl has a messed up family and has food issues, she shouldn't have the surgery" 

Hi there....

Remember, this is my personal opinion and experience.  Each therapist is different and comes up with their own spin on things.  I was very honest and trust me, there was a lot of "old stuff" hiding in my closet from way, way back when I was a little girl.  That's where she started the discussion and moved into my adulthood.  It helped me to have closure on some things.  I was not expecting her to dig so deap, just thought it would be a quick yes, I'm fat, yes I use food for comfort and yea your approved.  I met with her twice, then went back for a personality test "I guess that's what they call it".. I swear it was about 1000 questions that you complete on a scan tron sheet then they send it out for scoring.  She then had a follow-up appointment after it came back and came up with her own thoughts and shared what she was sending on to my surgeon.  Again, I don't think they are always this thorough but I'm glad she was. 

So, It's nothing to be scared about.  Just be yourself.. be honest and look forward to learning something about yourself.

Christina

Just my experience, but it seems the major things they seem to look for on these seem to be:

--do they have unrealistic expectations that this surgery will fix their lives, even the non-weight-related things?
--is this person likely to be compliant with post-op regimens, including vitamins, follow-ups, (in the case of Lap-bands, fills)?
--do they have support in their lives (loved ones, faith, etc.) to help them through this?
--do they understand the surgery?
--do they understand some of the reasons they are heavy? 

Good luck!

Nicolle