Question:
What are these questions that you need to answer?

I just found a surgeon and got a referral from my pulminary doctor for medical necessity. I know that I will need to go to a psych for an evaluation but now I'm scared. I have a history of depression and am afraid I am not going to pass this test. Can anyone tell me some general things they ask you?    — Nancy S. (posted on April 2, 2003)

April 2, 2003
When I had my psych eval, she just asked me how long I have been overweight, how long had I been considering gastric bypass, what other diets have I tried before, she asked me if I knew the risks that are related to this surgery, as well as the risks of being obese, general questions about my life, my support level from family and friends, what scared me most about the surgery, and then I had to do a written test and the MMPI. It really is nothing to be scared of. Be honest. The psych just wants to know that you are emotionally stable to make such a big decision. Meaning, you understand the risks, and don't have unreal expectations. Good luck!!
   — Jaimie L.

April 2, 2003
No need to be scared. Different doctors do different evaluations. Some will require a personality test such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (don't be afraid of the name). Others will talk with you to determine if you understand the surgery and requirements afterward, have reasonable expections about the risks and possible outcome, and don't have any psychological problems that would interfere with your post-op lifestyle. i have been under treatment for severe depression for more than two years. it is controlled with medication and my psych doc has approved me for WLS. Best advice, as always: be yourself and be honest. Good luck!
   — Kasey

April 2, 2003
Don't worry about it. Depression is not a bar to surgery unless it's so severe you need treatment to be stabilized before surgery; in fact, the doctor told me that the way the MMPI is formulated, pretty much everyone who takes it shows up as having mild depression! I actually enjoyed the MMPI and the talk with the doctor, it was fascinating. She told me that I'm "half a bubble off center" -- just weird enough to be charming (her words). LOL! Just be honest and look at it as a chance to find out if there's anything you can get help with prior to the surgery. I think the doctors who require a psych eval are overall far more interested in our long term chances for success and our wellbeing as whole people.
   — Maria N.

April 2, 2003
Depression is NORMAL for MOs. They may put you on meds. Having WLS is emotional for some and they want us to do well.
   — bob-haller

April 2, 2003
Resolved or controlled depression will in no way exclude you from having WLS. I have a 9 year history of depression treatment with the last 2-3 years being controlled very well with medication and counseling. <p>They may have you take a couple of written test that have the most bizarre questions asked about 10 different ways. My comment after taking the 567 question test was that I was sure it would show I had at least 6 personalities. LOL What the test will likely show is people who are severely depressed or suicidal or possibly patterns that would indicate you would have problems with compliance with rules - such as are in place after WLS (eating, exercise etc.). Some doctors only talk to people and don't do the written things. In my case because I was already under the treatment of a psychiatrist he never even saw me, just gave me the MMPI test to take home and do and then when he had the results he wrote my letter. He wasn't going to find anything new that he didn't already know after working with me for 3 years. <p>Go and be honest. If you try and hide something it will likely be obvious to the evaluator and if this is the first time they are meeting you, you don't want to come off that way. You want to come off as an open book. Hang in there! Things will go fine! Chris
   — zoedogcbr

April 2, 2003
Maria - You are right about the MMPI making you look somewhat depressed. The questions are asked so black and white that you are many times forced to answer with the chice that leads to looking like you have depression. It asked any questions about being rested in the morning and slepeing etc., which are all symptoms of depression. However, in my case it came from the significant back low pain and consequently tossing and turning all night, but there was no way to factor in another reason for the sleeping problems. That's where the verbal portion of the evaluation should bring those things out and then the evaluator will be able to decipher the MMPI more correctly.
   — zoedogcbr