psych eval

I have my psych evaluation tomorrow at 10. Not sure what to expect but can't wait to be done with it. Hope everything goes well.  I am having it done in Saranac Lake. Thanks, Christine

Good luck, Christine.  Those psych evals can certainly be nerve racking-- Karen

Christine, YOU will be FINE!  Why do you want to lose weight?  Because you desire a healthier lifestyle for yourself.  It is ALL about the "quality of life".  You want what is best for you.  This is a surgical procedure that will enable that to happen.  What do you think/say/do when there is negativity from friends and family?  They don't have to share your thoughts and decisions.  You made an educated decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle.  Bottom line, right? RIGHT! Best Wishes! Carol

christine, They will ask you questions like what are the side affects and or things that can happen to you during surgery or after? Why do you want  to have wls? she also will check your memory she will say three words and ask you to remember them. after she asks you a serious of questions. She will ask how much did you weigh upon graduation from college. She will ask you if you have ever been treated for deppresion or if you ever have had any medication. she will ask you if you have a support at home? She will ask you about the procedure itself like how they do it/ what they do. just be honest with her and you will do fine. good luck. Sheila

Christine: Hi! Just be ourself, answer the questions honestly that is all you can do!

The purpose of the psychological consultation is to ensure that there is no severe psychological issue that would compromise your chances for success on the program, and to ensure you'll have adequate personalized support as you begin your post-operative life.  This psychological service is an important and sometimes required portion of your weight loss surgery program (surgeon and/or insurance company).

 

 

 

HI! I can tell you what *I* look for in a psych eval. I happen to be a psych nurse practitioner who does them (over 200 now)..(also a ~5 yr postop wlser!) I see people FOR ~1-1 1/2 hrs... POSSIBLE Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current drug & alcohol dependence/abuse (needs to be in remission 1 year). 2. Untreated and/or unstable mental illnesses: Depression, Bipolar disorder, Anxiety disorder, severe personality disorders or Thought disorders, need to be in treatment with minimal symptoms. 3. A history of near lethal or repetitive suicide attempts may require further evaluation. 4. Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, severe compulsive/binge eating with no ability to control intake. 5. Noncompliance issues & concerns (unwillingness to diet, exercise, or follow treatment recommendations). 6. Inability to give informed consent for treatment. 7. Inability to make lifestyle changes (ex. financially, psychosocially). 8. Unwillingness to follow post-surgical care. 9. Unrealistic surgical expectations, ambivalence about surgery or impulsiveness in decision-making regarding surgery. 10. Inadequate family supports or family hostility toward surgery. 11. Presence of unresolved severe situational stress that may interfere with patient’s success/compliance: current divorce, job stress, financial issues or family issues. I also discuss: diet history, eating issues & insight into...Knowledge of surgery, risks, complications, outcomes..lifestyle needed for f/up etc! HUGS! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ from oh: Your welcome also look at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjour ney/getting+auth orization.php http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjour ney/your+psychia trist.php What your psychiatrist needs to cover Your psychiatrist needs to include at least the following information: The reason for the evaluation How does the patient think the surgery will benefit him/her How long has obesity been a problem Sources of stress or concerns in present life Personal history (lives where, home situation, family interactions, etc) Medications Tobacco, alcohol, recreational drug use, if ever. (How long since) Family history (include physical abuse, child sexual abuse) Schooling Marital status (history to present) Behavioral observations Test results (validity indicators) Impression Your psychiatrist needs to rule out/look for the following: Drug use Alcohol use Untreated depression Suicidal tendencies Eating disorders Compliance issues Comprehension (Does the patient really understand the surgery and needed lifestyle changes?) Ability to make lifestyle changes Compliance in diet Compliance in exercise Understanding of the need for follow-up no matter how far away the patient lives Reliability Understanding that noncompliance puts them at risk Unrealistic expectations Inadequate support MMPI The psychiatrist (or psychologist) has to touch on all of the above areas of your life. A complete report from your psychiatrist is very important to include when you are asking for preapproval for bariatric surgery. Print out these instructions and send/take to your psychiatrist!