IF I don't make it back here........

Had a copy of this e-mail on my hard drive…. From a Psyche Doc…. Maybe a little help? "As a psychologist who does psych evals for wls patients (among others) I can tell you what I look for. I usually want to make sure the patient has a clear understanding of the surgery and what accommodations/changes they will need to make after surgery is over. Do they have unrealistic expectations for their recovery, weight loss, life after surgery? I also want to see about their support system: do they have one? If are they engaged in support systems, groups, perhaps, even weekly therapy sessions. Most important: Is the patient suffering from any severe mental illnesses that may prevent them from having a normal healthy recovery. Will the illness escalate? Are they stable? Are there any other addictions that they are covering up (drug/alcohol use). Will any of these complicate surgery and/or endanger the patients life. If they are stable and have a condition such as Bi-Polar Disorder many times they are ok'd. Mostly, I just speak to the patients. I may give the MMPI II (the 500 questions exam) but usually I give the Beck Depression Scale Questionnaire. I speak to them and I let them tell me their story. " Have a Great One and Onward and Upward!! Best Wishes- Dx