Question:
I'm hoping someone can give me some information regarding the psyc evaluation. What

kinds of questions does the psycologist ask? I know people have been denied because the psycologist doesn't think they are good canidates for WLS and that this is one of the requirements for most insurance companies.I'm required to meet with a psycologist and I was curious as to how much impact their decision has and on what basis do they decide whether you are a canidate for WLS. Any info would be appreciated.    — Nicole B. (posted on November 28, 1999)

November 28, 1999
Hi Myrna: I can only speak from my experience, but my psychological evaluation was a relatively easy experience. The doctor I was referred to had done hundreds of evaluations for NeWeigh patients, so it was very routine for him. I had to fill out a 565 (yes, 565!) true-false question evaluation. It's called the Minnesota Multiphasic something test--basically, it tries to evaluate your mental state with a whole range of questions. The doc asked a few questions about why I wanted the surgery, what I thought it would do for me, my expectations, etc. Really very easy overall--I guess I was mentally "fit" (lol) because after these results came back I was approved within 2 days! Good Luck and Think Positive!
   — Julie H.

November 28, 1999
The 500 question test is called the MMPI. My pre-op psychologist didn't give me one though. He just asked me what other weightloss methods I tried and how well they worked. He asked me about my family's history of obesity, medical, psych problems.I told him the truth. My mother was a drug addict that committed suicide and my father is a worthless, remorseless felon; that on the first anniversey of her death, I went to the cemetery and drove a wooden stake into the ground above her grave,just to make sure she stayed there. Oh yeah, about all the Ben Dover adventures I had in the group home I stayed in when I was a kid. That I've got a brother that's had two heart attacks and still smokes, and a sister that has borderline personality disorder. And I passed the psych eval with flying colors.
   — blank first name B.

November 29, 1999
The psyche evaluation is a general instrument, whether or not they administer the MMPP test, to determine if you are mentally capable of understanding exactly what you are in for. This is a life-altering surgery, and as such, your mental state is vitally important. They want to be sure you are not suffering from deep depression (untreated), that youare not suicidal, nor have a pre-existing eating disorder, like bulemia, that could compromise your success. They will also wnat to be assured that your goals are realistic, and that you have some form of support for the long run. It's pretty basic, and you should go into it openly, honestly, and don't worry! Best of luck to you!
   — Alice G.