Question:
Is there a set format for the Psychiatric to go by and if so where can they get this?

My insurance requires me to go through our Employee Assistance Program to see a Psychologist and they are not familiar with what is needed for the surgeons report. I have talked to the surgeons office but seem to get no information from them.    — Donna R. (posted on December 31, 2003)

January 1, 2004
Donna, I just pulled my evaluation out and here is what my koocoo dr said. "we reviewed specifics about the surgery, including compliance requirements, and what my typical changes would be like." He noted that I attend meetings, and belong to a support group, I watched a video and that I have done on line research. Here is the site of video of my wonderful doctor Hart's surgery. http://www.or-live.com/northside/1116/ He noted my weight related problems, and boy did he ask me questions that I never thought of. He noted my weight loss efforts,he asked questions that might uncover my characteristics that may pre dispose me of my weight problem, (like the love affair with carbs, and more carbs). He asked me more in depth psychollogical questions relevent to my weight, like depression, and abuse. He asked me about my childhood. He gave his interpretation of my mental status.(alertness, mood, and humor) Then I took a 300 questionaire called a Psychodiagnostic Test, asked me to read lots of complicated words,(to see how extensive my vocabulary is.I must say it seemed pretty weird at that time, but now I understand.)After a three hour appointment he wrote down his conclusion and recommentations.Wether I would be a good canidate for the surgery and that in his opinion I didn't require any additional counseling, but that it never hurts anyone.I must say I got my monies worth. My report was very interesting and I received a 3 page report. To sum it it he basically want to be sure that I don't have any underlying issues that will prevent me from be sucessful for the surgey, like binge eating,and bulemia that may pop my staples out or have blockage issues. It was very informative. I hope this helps. My suggestion would be to make sure that you psychologist knows what he/she is doing before you spend your time doing this. If the ins company doesn't think the evaluation is complete enough, it may be a reason for them to deny you for the surgery. Just make sure that the psychologist has done it before. Ask your surgeon who they work with. Even if you have to pay out of pocket you want it to be correct. Anything that prevents additional stress is a Good Thing. Best of luck. Di in Ga.
   — Diane G.

January 1, 2004
Diane's info is great. I hated my psych consult (which was required not by insurance, but by my surgeon). He asked all kinds of questions about depression, trying to link that to the weight "problem." He even tried to get me to take anti-depressents that had shown weight loss as a side effect thinking I was depressed and that's why I was fat. What a joke! Anyway, after a few not-so-nice conversations with him, all he had to say was that I fully understood the implications of the surgery (risks and change of lifestyle) and note that I had a support system in place. He also noted that I did not have unrealistic expectations and that I did not expect the weight loss to "solve all life's problems" so to speak. Hope that helps! Emily
   — emilyfink