Psych Evaluation?

flo66
on 6/13/07 9:45 am - Corfu, NY

Hi All, I'm new to the board and just getting started on my WLS journey. I've got my psych evaluation next week and I was wondering if anyone could give me a little insight as to what to expect? What kinds of things are they looking for, what do they ask you, how many times do I need to see the psychiatrist, basically any info would be appreciated! Thanks, Flo

Laurenma
on 6/13/07 10:08 am - Bellport, NY

RNY on 09/11/07

Hi Flo, I am new here also, and just going for my first consult tomorrow. So I do not have an answer to your question, but I wish you the best!

Lauren

Laurenma

minnielover
on 6/13/07 10:35 am - buffalo, NY

RNY on 07/02/07

Hi Flo, Welcome to the board. the psy eval is easy. They will ask you questions about the surgery. They want to know if you are aware of all the comlications that can happen,they want to know if you ever have had any depression or on any drug therapy past or presnt. They check your memory by saying three words then asking you a serious of questions then ask you to recite thase three words that she said to you before the serios of questions. She will ask you why you want to have wls, and they will ask you the samret hing just in differnat ways they are trained to read between the lines. So just be yourself answer truthfully and don't be nervous. You will do just fine. Sheila

TESSIE59
on 6/13/07 11:27 am - Frewsburg, NY

RNY on 07/18/07

My psych evaluation was pretty simple. He asked me if I understood about the changes that were going to happen with my body. He said that sometimes people look in the mirror and see a thinner person and get nervous. He asked me if I had talked it over with my husband as this has a pretty high divorce rate from what I'm told. That was basically it.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Php 3:13-14)

jamiecatlady5
on 6/13/07 8:39 pm - UPSTATE, NY

RNY on 10/09/02

Flo

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 required portion of your weight loss surgery program.

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 1-1 1/2 hrs, but know some use 1 others use several sesions based on their practice and your issues. so hard to say standard or there is no one size fits all. Be honest tht is all u can do! 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!

Your welcome also look at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjour ney/getting+authorization.php http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjour ney/your+psychiatrist.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. CONSIDER embacing this opportunity vs fearing it, the emotional work we face starts preop, consider finding someone who will follow you over the next several YEARS of your journey to ensure the most sucessful transition, losing wt is great but it does not mean everything is fine after and we sometimes wish for the emotional bypass, that doesnt come w the gastric bypass sadly, but we can work on it!!!

Take Care,

Jamie Ellis RN MS NPP
100cm proximal Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh Albany, NY
320(preop)/163(lowest)/185(current) 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King www.albanyplasticsurgeons.com
http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/jamiecatlady5/
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

javajane
on 6/13/07 10:24 pm - IN

RNY on 07/16/07

Wow, can't add anything to that! Just relax and be honest from the get-go. They are there to help make sure this surgery can be as successful longterm as possible.

Purple Passion
on 6/14/07 12:22 am - Little Falls, NJ

RNY on 08/06/07

I think Jamie covered it. Thanks Jamie! Great info! When I went for my psych consult, he asked me questions about why I chose the surgery I did, my weight history, my understanding of the procedure and post op life, my support system, etc. The support system was a big deal.

Rachelle
Looking for a possible revision.
257/190/150

flo66
on 6/14/07 9:14 pm - Corfu, NY

RNY on 11/05/07

Thank you all for your responses, they helped a lot. I'm a little nervous about it still but I suppose it's normal to be nervous about taking the steps that can so drastically change my life. I'm hoping that once I get further into the process and start meeting all the doctors and other medical personnel who will be helping me along the way, I'll feel more at ease. :) Oh one more question and feel free to laugh.....What is a NUT????? I've seen it a few times on the board and I'm guessing it's short for "nutritionist" but I want to make sure. *lol* Again, thanks so much everyone. :)

Psych Evaluation?

Our Mission

Follow us

Links

Select Photos

Psych Evaluation?