Psych Eval

Okay, I got a call from Dr. Cobean's office today.  They had a cancellation for this Thursday and I now have that appointment for a psych eval.  I was wondering if any of you could tell me what to expect?  They said it's going to take 2 hours.  Is there anything I can do to be more prepared?  I'm not looking for any "cheats", just an idea of what they want to know, or what they may ask me. Thanks in advance for any input. ~Julie~

Hey Julie! Good luck Thursday...you'll be fine.  She asked me about my relationship with food...about habits I had, if I knew if I ever ate to hide/cover feelings,etc.  She asked me about my support system.  There were questions about my past...good childhood, any physical/emotional abuse past or present, alcohol/drug abuse,etc.  She wanted to know what I thought I'd do to cope with things once I couldn't turn to food.  She asked me what I thought would change about my life after losing weight, and what I thought would not change.  There were also some papers to fill out...more questions like those above.  That was it.  It wasn't nearly as bad as I had for some reason anticipated.  She was really nice.  Today at my 3 month check-up I saw a different therapist, and she was equally as nice. Good luck.  Let me know if you have more questions.  I was SO nervous...afterwards I realized that it was for nothing.  Let us know how you do.

Julie, I had my psych eval at Dr. Cobean's office a couple of months ago.  I met with Laura and she was great.  I am going down on Wednesday to sign my consent and, hopefully, within a few days I will have a date.  Don't worry, you will be fine.  Just relax and answer the questions honestly.  Good luck. Kim

Think they said it all. I too was extremely nervous but it was a piece of cake (so to speak). Lots of true/false, multiple choice questions; although there were some repetitive ones worded different to see if you will answer the same to them. You will do fine. Good luck! Netti

Hi Julie,     Don't fret.  It's really painless.  Even though it's nerve wracking, this part of the process is really important.  There are alot of emotional changes after surgery.  A friend on mine had GBP 2 years ago and spent the first year post-op in deep depression and attempting suicide 7 times.  Just like Post-Partum depression, no one thinks it will happen to them.  The Psych will look for possible reasons or signs that might make you a canidate for this type of problem post-op.  Most people don't have issues, so don't worry about it.     The eval appt. that I had was 3 hours long, but it sounds like it's shorter where your at.  There was a questionere of about 500 true/false, multiple choice questions that I answered (they tell you there are no wrong answers).   They do ask the same question a few different ways and throw in some really odd questions now & then (like would you like to be an architect?) just to throw off your thought process.       Afterwards I met with the Psych. for about 20 minutes and her questions were bascially the same as someone has already mentioned.  Before you know it, you'll be done and waiting for the report.  I'm not sure how long it takes for your reports, but mine had a 3 week wait....that was worse than the eval!  LOL       Good Luck!  Let us know how it goes.   Blessings, Yvonne

Thanks for the info everyone! I really appreciate it.  I've been reading the handbook on Dr. Cobean's website just to brush up on my knowledge of the procedure and things to expect afterward.  So, now I'm just waiting for 10:00am to roll around.  I'll sure be glad when it's noontime.  LOL Then I'll be on my way home and done with it.   I am so glad that they are getting me in now.  Even though I'm nervous, I MUCH rather do it now then have to wait another 5-6 months for it.   Anyhow, I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks again for responding. Talk to you soon. ~Julie~ PS.  I got a call from York Hospital today, I have to meet with the neurologist on Oct. 18th to discuss a sleep study.  Seems like things may actually be falling into place.

Well, I met with Laura today.  You were all right, it wasn't bad.  We talked A LOT!  Definitely an emotional experience(not bad though).  Now it's done and I have my tasks to work on while I wait for other appointments.  Honestly, I am glad to have something to do while waiting.  Makes me feel more productive.  Laura is a very nice woman and I felt completely comfortable talking with her.  I didn't take a "test". We just talked about what my life has been like, my weight history, family history, ect.   I have till 11/01/07 to get my tasks completed, after that, I'm not sure what's next. But I'll keep you posted. Thanks again to those *****sponded.   Take care. ~Julie~

Laura is a sweetheart!!   She just knows how to bring out any hidden stuff. She always makes me start bawling!! LOL