Question:
Does anyone know if the psychological evaluation with Dr. Keshishian is mandatory?

I am a psychologist and have performed most of these tests on my patients, besides, I think profile testing in this case is an invasion of privacy. Blah, Blah, I digress. Any feedback regarding Dr. K's requirements.    — [Anonymous] (posted on October 12, 2001)

October 12, 2001
I always assumed it was mandatory everywhere, for good reasons. To make certain we understand what were planning and we will be able to deal with our post op life changes. I would think that medical professionals would understand this the most. But then again even marriage counselors get divorced..... As pre op tests were my enemy, and the delays they created were the worst. But being a post op I look at it differently. The tests were for my safety, and the delays prevent buyers remorse. Waiting gives pre ops a chance to change their mind. This weeds out those who arent dedicated to living as a WLS person for the rest of their lives. The test thy had me take was mostly 100 ways to ask, do I have a drug, alcohol, or wife beater problem. I guess they learn more but really I could care less.
   — bob-haller

October 12, 2001
A psych consult is required. It is not about revealing your deep, dark secrets or even necessarily why you're overweight. It's about attempting to make sure that psychologically you understand the surgery, you understand the commitment you are making to life long vitamins and supps, plus life long follow up care (although if your labs are fine, it's just bloodwork once a year). It is also to determine whether or not you have realistic expections of the surgery, etc. I did not have to do an MMPI, but I was asked to describe the surgery, other surgeries out there, my expections, my understanding of the surgery and possible complications, etc. I was dreading my psych consult like everyone, but the guy I went to was great and if I have any issues post-op that I feel he could address, I would feel perfectly comfortable doing so.
   — Anita N.

October 12, 2001
Dr. K is my surgeon and it is my understanding that he requires the psych. eval. because the NIH includes it in their guidelines for WLS along with BMI of >40 or 35 to 40 with co-morbs. My insurance also requested it so I had to have it done anyway.
   — Billie J. P.