Who did you guys use for your psych eval

I assume that Dr. Srikanth's office will give me a list, but I'm trying to get a jump on things.  What did you think of the doctor you saw?  I've never had a psych eval before.  Hopefully they won't think I'm nuts.  ;-)

Hi,

I used Sally Baird in Federal Way; she is on Dr. Srikanths list.  I thought she was awesome, she made me very comfortable.  She uses some computer testing modules, which was kind of interesting, as well as talking to you for about an hour....her schedule was kind of backed up and it took me a little while to get in, but I was waiting on other things anyway, and it was worth the wait.

She also referred me to a psychologist who has had bariatric surgery herself  (I have been needing some therapy about other issues in my life lately); Her name is Wendy Rawlings and she is in the same office.  She is also excellent, but I think Sally is the only one in the office qualified to decide if you're eligible for WLS or not.

Sally's number is 253-952-4366.

best,
amy

Hi - I'm sure Dr. S's office will refer you to someone, but I'll give you my experience.  :)  I had Dr. Oh and he referred me to Thomas Petek in Federal Way.  Dr. Petek's office is near 336th and 9th Avenue so not far from St. Francis.  As I recall, the appt. lasted a couple hours with just a brief time with Dr. Petek.  (My psych eval was almost 2 years ago, so the memory fades!!)  I had to complete a personality evaluation (MMPI, I think it was) and another questionnaire about food and my attitude toward it.  At least I think that's what it was.  I had a little anxiety about the pscyh eval, but it ended up being really nothing to be too concerned about.  I think I talked with the dr. for 20-30 minutes and spent the rest of the time on the questionnaires.  Seems like he just asked questions about family history of addictive type behavior and some other things, but it really was not a big deal.  He seemed like a nice enough man.  I wish you all the best as you move toward your surgery! 

I used Dr. Jeffrey Okey at the Center for Integrative Medicine in Tacoma. He came recommended to me as an experienced psychologist who works well with the bariatric population, understands requirements for pre-surgery psych evals, and can work with you pre-op and post-op to do any psychotherapy to resolve food issues (emotional eating, compulsive behaviors, depression, etc). My psych eval was a quick and easy process, including some 500 question survey and interview process.

Edit:
The phone number is (253) 472-7844.

~NAMASTE~

I'm a Srikanth patient and he does have a list of providers for all of the different consults you may need.  Of course, you're welcome to use your own specialist for any of his required consults, but those on the list are familiar with him, his patients, etc.  As you know, *everyone* gets a psych eval!

I saw Dr. Petek in Federal Way.  He was congenial and I liked him.  Regardless of whom you see, be prepared for first an interview and then about 90 minutes of testing.  Dr. Petek does not do a follow-up appointment to discuss results; he gives them to Dr. Srikanth directly.  It is my understanding that Sally Baird has her clients return for a 2nd session to discuss the results.  Depending on your insurance status or cost of copays for mental health, that may be a factor to consider.

Amy

Thanks for your replies.  I guess maybe I'll just give them both a call and see you can fit me in first.  It sounds like either one on Srikanths list would be fine.
Thanks,
Sheryl

I am one of Dr Srikanths patients also... and I saw Sally Baird.  She was really nice and I would totally be comfortable talking with her again.  The questions on the computer are pretty redundant, over 200 true / false questions. (Including "I feel like committing suicide today". ) the follow up I had with her was really quite enlightening. 
I was really nervous too, but you'll be fine... Seems like yesturday ... but mine was in October... wow.

I'll be traveling for my surgery, but I got the names mentioned, here, from a friend who is a Shrikanth patient. I saw Dr Petek. Not much office time ... just the basic shrink questions about your previous weight-loss attempts, what you'd done to prepare yourself for what post-op life will be like. He *loved* hearing that I'd attended three support group meetings to talk to people living with the DS.

Then waaaay too long hovered over question booklets, filling in oval bubbles with a #2 pencil.

Three separate tests. 

He was nice enough. You could tell he'd done 3 jillion of the things, though.

good luck, and try not to sweat it.

-Kathy

Hi Kathy,
I'm just curious.  Why are you having surgery in NJ?  And you insurance will pay for an out of state surgery too?
Just being nosy. :-)
Sheryl

I had a VBG 22 years ago, so I’ll be a revision. I needed to find a surgeon that was very versed not only in the DS, but also in revision *to* a DS from a VBG. Shrikanth has experience revising from a VBG to an RNY, but I wasn’t interested in having an RNY, for various reasons.

 

The revision from a VBG to an RNY is much easier than it is to a DS. He said he’d be willing to do it for me, if I really wanted it, but I’m not interested in being his first VBG to DS revision.

 

I’m traveling so I can end up with the surgery I really want. I’m not sure it’ll be New Jersey, at this point, though. I’m leaning more toward Miami and Dr Gagner.