PSCH. APPT AND NUTRITION. WHAT TO EXPECT?

http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjourney/getting+authorization.php http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/information/wlsjourney/your+psychiatrist.php (I dont know MANY preop psych evaluators who do a MMPI some do) NOT indicated in research literature I looked at! J~ 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!

I am the one that posted the 6 month nutrition classes. I think it's both my insurace (bc/bs) and the policy at the Dr.'s office. She told me I didn't have the supervised diets so we need to create one. She said the insurance companies are satisfied with this. This was a new way of doing the nutrition part of it as of November. (if you didn't have record of the supervised diets) Hope that cleared your question up for you!! Barb

THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE FOR ALL THE RESPONSES. MY MIND IS A LITTLE MORE AT EASE NOW.. I JSUT HATE GOING TO AN APPT. AND NOT KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT. BUT NOW I DO.