Question:
Should me having OCD affect the psychological evaluation?

I went to my first session of the psychological evaluation on April 30, took the test on May 01. The doctor called me today and asked me why I did't tell her about my OCD. I told her I didn't think it was a big deal related to my surgery. Now, I have to write a hostory of it and I am so worried. My OCD has NEVER been about food, but for some reason she thinks it is because I didn't say anything. What should I do? This is something I want more than anything.    — mandster (posted on May 7, 2003)

May 7, 2003
I, also, have OCD. My insurance requires no major psych diagnosis - I said what about depression - they said no problem - I said what about OCD - they said the medical director will consider that as part of the whole picture. My therapist said an OCD patient can be about the best candidate - being very rigorous about proper dieting, medication regimen, etc. I would not let this worry you. I would make a clear statement in your "history" that you did not omit this information on purpose, but rather felt it would be unrelated. You can email me if you would like help with this.
   — bethybb

May 8, 2003
My surgeon has a theory that many many morbidly obese people are OCD. I think it is common and it really does make sense. I think I would just go into this being very aware that your OCD could turn into a food thing once it is not there for the eating. I have seen this happen numerous times. I am in a post op group therapy weekly and many of the women there suffer from OCD. I also have seen the anxiety associated with OCD really get worse. I don't think it will affect your approval but I would just really keep my eyes wide open post op if I were you. Good Luck- Sincerely!
   — Carol S.

May 8, 2003
Amanda, I wouldn't worry too much about this. I am assuming you told your surgeon and that's how he knew and wondered why you didn't tell the psychologist? I have OCD tendencies, but really dealt more with depression and modd swings, etc. I briefly talked about it at my evaluation, but didn't harp on it, and anything I didn't tell her was for my own choices, but it wasn't exactly on some file she could read either. I think it was more of an issue with leaving it out than OCD being the issue. Just say its a problem, but under control and being dealt with, kind of play it down. People with a variety of problems get the clearance for this surgery, we're all human and cannot be perfect. Wouldn't worry too much, be honest but condense, don't feel you have to tell your extensive life story. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.