Psych eval and EGD

EGD is on Monday, recieved a call from the surgical hospital today on preparation tasks prior too. Had to have MRSA swab, that was negative. Not nervous for this procedure. Psych eval is also next week. I'm not sure How to feel about this.... What do they even ask you? I'm a very emotional person, worried they would say that I'm not mentally ready for this surgery. Is it weird that a psych eval makes me more anxious and nervous than a procedure they put you to sleep for????

The psychs who speak at our support groups say it's a pretty small percentage who are delayed. Even smaller who are not approved. Typically uncontrolled or untreated depression and/or clinical eating disorder. If they don't approve someone right away it's because there is a good reason. It's all about making sure you'll succeed and benefit from surgery. Relax. It will go okay. I really liked mine and now see him. Really making a big difference. Good luck

I had to fill out a multiple-page, printed questionnaire asking for my level of feelings about situations. Some of the questions were repeats but worded differently. The gist of the questions asked were meant to raise red flags like abuse, severe depression, addictions, or suicidal tendencies. The meeting with the doctor was based around growing-up years, past attempts to lose weight, motive for wanting/needing WLS, and what kind of support system was in place to achieve success. Getting a crying jag out of the way in the bathroom while there helped release some of the anxiety before the one-on-one with the doctor. My guess why your level of anxiety for the evaluation is higher than for surgery is because the evaluation is next week and the surgery date if off a ways. If my guess proves wrong, all the better for you.

My experience was similar to selhard. Very long multiple choice questions. And I had 3 different "tests" I had to take. When the psychiatrist came in, I said "WOW! That's a lot of questions!!!!" She laughed and said everyone tells her that. She was very nice and we just talked about my attempts at weight loss, weight history, and family support for the surgery. She gave me very good advise about handling possible negative comments and explaining my choice to my family.

There's nothing to worry about...even if you get emotional. This is your health and your life, there might be lots of emotions tied to such big matters and what has been a struggle.

I have heard of many, many different kinds of psych evals, some as diffent as night and day. There is no telling what yours will be like.

But remember 2 things. First, all of the preop testing is to ensure you are safe during surgery, and you will recover and be successful.

Second, whatever kind of evaluation they conduct, they will be looking to see how open and honest you are in your responses. The worst thing you could do is try to mislead them.

Relax. This isn't a huge deal. All of this stuff will be over before you know it.