Question:
passed psych eval testing??

I did the 500 something questionaire and had the results back from it. The psyc eval person said my results were great and looked very good. Then said a little bit of what would be next to do such as see the surgeon then insurance approval then 4 weeks of classes then surgery. OK, my question is: it sounded like i passed the eval but he said that he has to get together with a group of people from the weight center and would get back with me on that. So...what is this meeting for? and does it sound like i will be going to the next step?    — candy L. (posted on April 21, 2008)

April 21, 2008
i don't know the answer. i am already approved for surgery but just got my psych results today also. he said i passed - the only thing he was slightly concerned with was that i keep things to myself and he said i must share my experiences with the surgery. in other words he wanted me to open up and have someone to talk to like support groups and such. He just told me he would fax my results to the surgeon today.
   — bikermama

April 21, 2008
To be honest I think it would be pretty hard to NOT pass the psych evaluation. Basically they're just trying to weed out people with severe emotional and mental problems. However even a smart person with these problems could probably figure out what answers they need to put in order to pass the test. I wouldn't worry if I were u. It's just another of the many hoops to jump through to please the surgeon and the insurance company.
   — cjjordan

April 21, 2008
If they spent several hours with you themn you might have a problem, but if you did the test, and they talked to you about 1 hour, you have nothing to worry about. Since you were fefered to them by a surgeon, they want to first report to your doctor. They do, hgowever tell people often they have to weight for surgery and have further treatment. This is more common in women then men. If they spent a lot of time on depression, tehn you might have an issue. The reason is, weight loss from the surgery or any form of rapid weight loss causes depression. Do you remember the gentleman on Biggest losser crying often in the end of the season. That is mood swings caused by depression from weight loss. I was very happy about my weight loss, but I can get upset and cry now over a movie. My sergeon sent me back to the Psyc guy and he perscribed Lexapro for depression. I take 1/2 pill a night, and I tried to get off it but the mood swings come back and I can anger easly. This never happened before, but nearly 100 pounds off in 4 months never happened before either. Best of success to you!
   — William (Bill) wmil

April 21, 2008
Hmm...I'm unsure where Bill got his information about more women than men having preop psych issues - maybe because statistically there have been more women than men having WLS? I personally know of 2 people who had to wait to have their surgery because they weren't cleared by psych, and coincidently one's a woman and one's a man. As a nurse I can tell you team meetings are important for both the patient and the surgical team. It's there they look at you not only as a surgical patient but also as a person. In my WLS support group meetings many patients have talked about the emotional problems they faced (and still facing) post-op. During my psych eval the same thing happened to me, but she also suggested I consider seeing her postop if I start running into issues that I'm having some trouble dealing with. She (and my surgeon) have said that so much time and energy is used preop that after surgery the real work begins, and many patients face a "what now?" syndrome. It's also very common for a person's mind to not keep up with her body, so that I may always feel fat when I look in a mirror rather than see what I've accomplished. Many other issues are discussed - How motivated is the person? Is the person going to follow through on the restrictions? Is the person invested and will keep all necessary followups? (I know someone from one of my groups who was really proud the preop she "cheated" her way out of the psych eval and "gave answers I knew they wanted to hear," and is now not following the diet, not going for followup appointments, etc. I wonder why I go through the surgery if I have no intention of or investment in the program. THis is no quick fix, and everyone on the team just wants to make sure we're emotionally as well as physically ready for our life-long challenge.
   — obeseforever

April 21, 2008
Where I had my surgery there was a "team" of 5 people who all had to agree that I was ready for the surgery. The physc person, nutrionist, Medical Dr. (the one I havd my physical with), Surgeon, and the physiologist. If one thought I was not ready then I would not have gone. I'm sure you will get the ok. Don't worry. Best of Luck
   — niecie54

April 21, 2008
It really amazes me about the different pre-op evaluations that people have to go through. I had the lap band, had it removed after one year and then had the RNY bypass done at the same time. My pre-op eval for the band was a physical, showing the doctor my weight watchers card and 10 minutes with a psych. I had my surgery through Barix. When I had the revision to the RNY all i needed was an EKG, Blood work and a chest xray. no psych eval the second time around. I did loss the 10 lbs for the first surgery, not asked for the second. Also my pre-op diet was a light breakfast 2 days prior and then liquids, only a day and a half. My sister was on liquids for 5 days, every doctor is different but I am at goal, made it at 9 months and am 1.5 years out now and no gain, so try not to worry, every doctor is different and I am sure you will do great, keep us informed.
   — noboat4u

April 22, 2008
I wish I could help you with this question. My psych eval was only with one lady and we finished quickly with her saying I was that the gb was a good option for me. I would hate to fill out such a long form and not know. Good luck and God Bless!
   — Shy777