Question:
Types of Psych exams/Alcoholics

I am scheduled for a psych exam and was told it would only take about a half an hour. I just read a comment regarding another psych question saying that Alcoholics are good candidates for denial. I am a recovering drug addict/Alcohlic(11 years clean). Anyone in the same boat?What do you think about my chances of approval from psyc exam? Patricia ROberts    — Patricia R. (posted on December 1, 2001)

December 1, 2001
You say you are 11 years clean and sober? That is great congradulations. AS far as the Psych eval goes I would think the psychiatrist would consider 11 years sober as a good thing and give you the determination to do what it takes to get thru this process. But since I don't know for sure the other option is don't tell. Good luck and let us know how it goes. The doctors allow other mental disorders to still have the surgery, I know people who are bipolar, obsessive compulsive, and they got surgery.
   — sherri W.

December 1, 2001
Good for you on your 11 years Patricia. As a substance abuse counselor I can see the many, many paralells between my eating and my clients drinking/drug use. When a client used to tell me that I could not understand them, given that I was not an alcoholic, I would always say that addiction comes in many forms... mine was just not in a bottle. As to your question about the psych. eval, I have to think that honesty for you is the best policy for many reasons. I do not think that your being in recovery will jeopardize your chance for approval. I do think that not being upfront about it can, depending especially on the type of psych. test you are given. Most psych. tests are designed to pick up any hint of dishonesty, so you definitely do not want the test to pick up on that. Besides, you have 11 years. That is something to be proud of and in my opinion it demonstrates your willingness to work a program of recovery for a long period of time (like forever, one day at a time). That is something you will need after this surgery too. Best of luck in whatever you decide. Let us know how it goes.
   — susie K.

December 1, 2001
I made that comment and am sorry if it caused you ANY distress. You should get approved WITHOUT a problem, because you are well recovered, and you should be proud of that. But a active alcholic is a bad candidate because it would take so little to intoxicate them. My psych doctor said they have approved folks who have gotten clean, and you aRE definetely THAT.
   — bob-haller

December 1, 2001
Patricia........was just reading some posts on the message board from Nov. 30th. You state there that you were approved for surgery a few days ago. (????)
   — [Anonymous]

December 1, 2001
Congratulations on your sobriety! I too am a recovering alcoholic of 10 years, and a recent post-op (7 weeks). My psych test was the MMPI, which was about 500 questions, and longer than 1/2 hour--more like 1 hour. I had spoken with my therapist beforehand anticipating some questions that might read my answers as that of a current versus recovered alcoholic. She encouraged me to answer my questions as a now, non-drinker if something seemed too ambiguos and might be construed as that of an active alcoholic. Your surgeon should absolutely be aware of your history because he/she may notice some liver scarring (while performing surgery) or raised liver enzymes post-op (due to anesthesia) despite your long sobriety. My surgeon supported by WLS because it will make me a much healthier person in the long run. I have had normal liver functions tests for 9 years, but still had them elevated after surgery. Everyting is fine now thankfully, but it served as a reminder of my body's vulnerability from the disease of alcoholism. One thing that is vital to know...after surgery, you liver could not tolerate drinking again the way you used to. Relapsing would most likely lead to certain death to me now because my new "plumbing" would not withstand the volume of alcohol that alcoholics consume. I feel strong in my abstinece and recovery, but this surgery means an extra incentive to never pick up a drink again. The sobriety is an extraordinary live-saving measure we did for ourselves, and this WLS for me is now another similar chapter in my journey to health and happiness. Wishing you the very best of luck with your upcoming surgery--God Bless.
   — [Anonymous]

December 1, 2001
Congrats on your upcoming surgery and many years of recovery. I had my surgery at 11+ years clean & sober in June of this year (I've lost 125 lbs.). The psych eval was no problem. I agree with the post suggesting that you just be honest (if you are working a program you will be). 11 years of sobriety indicate that you have made a great achievement psycologically. It is important that you let the surgeon and anesthesiologist know about your recovery and your history with drugs and alcohol. I have found WLS to be a mental and physical challenge rivalling getting sober. Feel free to contact me.
   — Jonathan M.

December 2, 2001
Hi All, This is Patricia, I jsut wanted to thank everyone for their responses. BOB, Yes it was your post I saw, and actually it was great because I never even thought about it being a problem or even considered. That is what prompted me to ask and get this great advise in return. I will certainly let them know, MY surgeon already does. I also consider 11 years, (12 this December)an accomplishment that says I know about commitment to a program! Anonymous....Yes I found out last week that I was approved and we were waiting for the approval letter and I got a call from the surgeons office on Friday that They recieved the approval and had a date of Dec. 10th for me! I am VERY LUCKY. PAtricia Roberts
   — Patricia R.

December 8, 2001
Hi All, Just wanted to update on my question. I had my Psych exam and told the Doctor that I was 11(12 years this Dec.26th!) Clean and he was impressed and actually asked my some questions about why I finally stopped and about the rehab that I went to, DO I like it, would I recommend it to others, he said he has some alcoholics/drug addicts come to him and it is great to have input/insight into someone clean. He agreed that I do have a great understanding of a life long commitment to change and said I am a great candidate for this surgery! Thanks to all who responded and I will be posting as soon as I can after I get home from surgery (12/10)!
   — Patricia R.