Problems with psych eval. Anyone else?

Hi all. This is my first post. I considered RNY back in 2003, but only being 23 at the time, found the surgery too daunting, maybe I hadn't tried everything yet. Well, here I am in 2008, 30 lbs heavier, trying to have the lapband. I met with Dr. Pop for my consultation on 2/11 and decided to go inhouse for the pysch eval, which meant my appt with Dr. Mettler wasn't until 3/13. My ins. is great. The hospital already has my approval letter, just waiting on my psych eval; I don't need the approval from my pcp. I went yesterday for my psych eval and instead of meeting with Mettler, I saw his associate, Dr. Novak. I was there for 4 hours! I took the mmpi test, but talked with Dr. Novak for 3! He said his recommendation to Dr. Pop will be that I be in therapy pre and post op, but he hasn't decided whether there will be a required number of visits or just proof that I'm in therapy. Is this odd? I can see the value of postop therapy. If it's just a reccommendation, does the doctor take heed, or will he make his own decision? I will do whatever it takes to be "whole" for this surgery, but now I feel crazy and not in the good way. Haha.... That was a joke. You can laugh. Needing

There is a lot of testing that need to be done , Look at the Big Picture. You be thin in no time at all. Good luck

I had my surgery in 2006 at U of M and they requested I think 4 therapy visits before surgery and recommended post op as well.  At first, I was so offended!  How DARE they act like something is wrong with me???  (HAHAHAHA)  Well, they were professional enough to put it bluntly-I was addicted to food and that needed to stop.  They recognized that I had a problem that surgery wasn't going to fix.  I quickly realized that it was for my own good, and I found a good therapist and got myself together. I'm glad I did, and I feel really lucky that I had a surgery program that was looking out for me...not one of those drive thru chop shops that will operate on anyone.  So no, it's not odd that they recommended this for you, and don't feel crazy.  It's just another way to prepare youself for a major life change. 

This is mostly a head game.... go with it and learn about yourself and your issues with food.   Were all crazy in one way or another. Jenny B Wise

You mean not everyone is crazy??  Where are these people, I must find them and see if they are as normal as me! Not laughing at you  and completely understanding what you are concerned with. But I agree with the othe posters, we have an addiction to food.  I was not recommended for counseling pre or post but, maybe it should be a pre-requisite.   Don't be upset, you may learn a whole lot!

Take the visits.  I am finding that I need to talk with someone and im 7 months out.   Also have you checked into the Gastric Sleeve.  That is what I had done and I am so happy.   Especially since there are so many lap banders that are having issues and switching to this surgery.  Check it out. Amy

Well, I wouldnt cosider this a problem with psych eval for sure.  I would call this a good reminder that most of us have underlying issues with food and addiction.  I am sure you will get your date once the pysch eval has been given to the clinic.  But like others have said, please utilize this opportunity to get some good COPING tools.  Becuase after the surgery, you won't be able to turn to food for stress relief, comfort, to help with loneliness,,,,,, yep, can you tell I needed that???  I am nine months out and am now in therapy 2x per week.  Because I didnt have anything to help me deal with life.  Just a word of advice from someone who has been there....

Hi everyone. Thanks for your comments. I guess I thought the whole psych eval thing was a "problem", because I have a friend who just recently had her surgery, and we were talking and joking with some people about what exactly it would take to "fail" the evaluation. I felt like I was the one in a milliion who did. Also, everything was running so smoothly for me, I had thoughts that I may be having the surgery next month, I suppose I am just too hung up on this. Dr. Novak did give me the number of someone he knows "professionally and personally", vouching that this person can help with my specific needs. I will check and see if she is in network., look at her credentials and give her a call Monday. Thanks for making me feel better guys!