Psych eval

Well...went for that initial group meeting at DHCM.  Because I was almost through the CMC program a few years ago...most of this was review.  I am suprised at how many people come fairly uneducated..... ANYWAYS as the topic states.  I am wondering who y'all went to for a psych eval.  I know I can just call the ins. company---but I figured if someone saw someone they liked, that might be a place to start. From what I am seeing I am going to need that and a gall bladder ultrasound.  That and those lovely ten lbs.  I also have to do once a month for six months with my primary(just had my physical last week so we already started that, and he is totally on board)----so the minimum I am probably looking at is Dec/Jan.  Which actually might be good.... THANKS Michelle

Hi Michelle, First off I want to wish you well on your new journey. It has been well worth it for me. I went to Portsmouth Hosp. and they have their own Dr. that does all the evaluations. He is Awesome. But I am sure you will want to find someone closer. I had the gall bladder ultrasound. Which is part of the whole adventure. Plus a ton of other tests. I too had a 6 month weigh in with my PCP for Cigna Ins. To be honest with you I went to Weigh****chers in Sept. and followed their diet and dropped my 11 required pounds and 10 more. I had my surgery in the winter ( Jan ) and just stayed inside as there was nothing better to do. I chose to do it after Christmas. That way I had the house all back in order. So I was ready for surgery. Just keep on reading books on the surgery to pass the time away. One I found helpful is called  Weight Loss Surgery --- Finding The Thin Person In You!-- By Barbara Thompson. ( she has a website I believe) . Also my daughter bought me Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies. That has a ton of info also. Both were good especially after my surgery.  Maybe you already have these books. Anyway I wish you luck. If I can answer any other questions feel free to ask. Hopefully I will have an answer. Roxanne

Hi Michelle,

I also went thru the DHCM program.  I had my surgery 8 weeks ago, and am feeling GREAT!!  I called my insurance company to get the names of which psych folks they covered, and then did some "shopping around" among those names.  I finally settled with Stephen Schmidt, PsyD of Bicentennial Square Counseling Associates in Concord.  He was very nice and very easy to talk with.  The total evaluation took about an 1 to 1-1/2 hours. 

I had already had my gall bladder removed about 7 yrs ago, so never had to have the ultrasound done.  And fortunately I had had my annual physical done in September (began the program in October), so I did not require any additional tests.   I found that by following the Stage II diet for one week each month prior to surgery, I was able to drop 30 pounds prior to surgery.  Plus it prepared me for being able to do the 2 weeks of it prior to surgery and the time afterwards.  Also, if you are able to, do a lot of walking, it is a great way to lose and maintain the loss.

Best wishes!  I am hoping to attend the next informational session in July (only as a "graduate").

Tammy

I'm 3 months into my 6 month weight loss classes and have had my visit with my nutrisionist.  I have my appointment with my surgeon at Brighams next week and am sure this question will come up for me too.  Just wanted to take a mintue to thank you all for being here and I look forward to taking this adventure with some help from all you wonderful people.  Thanks, Brenda

Michelle....I had my psych eval with Dr Silverman out of Londonderry.  He is familiar with weight loss surgery and it was a great experience.

I saw a Dr. Jeffrey Haines in Peterborough, and he was great.  He spent an hour and a half with me, certainly not rushed at all... I would highly recommend him.  He has his own practice and it is very home like.... you are comfortable the minute you walk in the door.  Plus his nurse is one of the nicest people I've ever met!!

Michelle,  I had the lap band 6 weeks ago at CMC.  I went to Susan Barnes @ CLM in Derry, NH.  She has been doing a lot of their evals and is very familiar with the proceedure.   Paula