Question:
Is getting emotional going to sink me?

This is an extremely stupid question. I know this. *grin* Here it is: I have my psych eval on 3/26. When I was speaking to my surgeon about various things, I started to cry. I know for a fact that if they come toward me asking me about my history of being fat, I'll be getting quite emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat. Is that going to make the psych go "Damn, she's crazy! No surgery for her!" I hope this makes some sense to someone. :)    — Elizabeth W. (posted on March 7, 2002)

March 7, 2002
Hi there--if I made it through the psych exam, anyone can. :) No really, I did the same thing. What you are saying makes perfect sense. This whole ordeal is quite emotional, and I would be wary of someone who said they did not get emotional at all through this process. I had open RNY almost 4 weeks ago, and I still get emotional about it, and I will for quite some time, I imagine. During my psych exam I cried a bit, and it came back okay. (Had her fooled, haha.) I am sure you will be fine...take care and good luck on your journey!
   — Jennifer G.

March 7, 2002
I didn't have to see a Psychologist, but I know that they are looking for someone who is stable enough to take care of themselves after surgery. Some people are not healthy enough mentally and emotionally to care for themselves. The good thing to remember is a psychologist knows the difference between "getting emotional" and being emotionally-disabled. I think you will be just fine! If the tears come, let them! You're human and you're struggling with something that is very personal and painful. Gosh, if I lost an ounce for every tear I shed over my weight, I would disappear! LOL!! Good luck to you!
   — LaRayne H.

March 7, 2002
BRING YOUR OWN KLEENEX!!!! While I did not have to have a psych evaulation- I can tell you this about me. I cry whenever I speak to a Doctor about my PCOS symptoms. Maybe because I just get so frustrated at having them and feel like an idiot, tongue tied and what not - and I know I am NOT and speaking with these people who just don't understand what's its like. I cry at every visit with the PCP, with the Dermo, the Gyno, the Endo etc. The one person I don't think I've cried to was my WLS Surgeon! I think being emotional about something you are unhappy about should not be a knock against you- I think it is a normal response to feeling helpless. Tell him straight out... speaking about my weight make me VERY EMOTIONAL. He will appreciate the honesty and perhaps expect the crying.
   — Karen R.

March 7, 2002
Hello. i cried several times during my visit with the phsciatrist. i was mortified!! i thought he would for sure think i was looney, but he was very understanding and kind, you will do great!
   — rebecca N.

March 7, 2002
By the time I was ready to pursue WLS, I was very emotional about my life as a MO person. I wasn't required to have a psychiatric consultation, but as I spoke to my pcp about the surgery, I couldn't hold back some tears. He just quietly sat, listened and dispensed Kleenex. How can a life changing decision of this magnitude not bring along all types of feelings? Its a HARD life living inside a MO body, nothing crazy about expressing that. If anything, I'd think the doctor would thing it less normal if you didn't show emotion. Good luck, sweetie, you'll be fine.
   — Donna L.

March 7, 2002
Did you know that there is a statement on the ASBS site that states that the more distressed someone is about their morbid obesity, the better candidate they are for weight loss surgery? If you look around the website, you'll see what I'm talking about. If you're emotional about this matter, then it should only serve to help you at your psych eval. I'm sure the professional doing your evaluation will see that you're dead serious about having this done and making the changes needed. Good Luck!
   — NicoleG

March 7, 2002
Hi, this doesn't really address your question, but may put your mind at east that the phscy eval may not end up being the big deal you think it is...I had my psych evaluation this past Tues. and I have to say it was one of the worst experiences of my life. The woman spent a half an hour railing about how stupid it was that the ins co. requires a phsychiatrist evaluation/clearance (as opposed to physchologist) and then proceeded to make very judgemental statements about my choices in life, such as moving across country three years ago with my male best friend (as opposed to a husband or boyfriend). She barely talked about WLS at all...She did recommend post op counseling, which I will probably look into if I find I am having an extremely difficult time, but it made me wonder, shouldn't there be some sort of standards for the pre-op counseling session? I mean I fully expected her to discuss post op eating/life and all she said to that was "I dunno...I'VE never had to have the surgery." Needless to say, it was crazy and a waste of time, but at least she's gonna write the damned letter...
   — rebeccamayhew

March 9, 2002
Well, I cry extremely easily as well. I cry when I'm upset, angry, sad, embarrassed, or really happy. And I have ALWAYS cried when talking about my 'problems'. Especially my weight. Because it's so a huge thing to me (no pun intended) I mean, there is no part of my life that has not been affected by my weight. And it makes me feel so helpless. So, I usually start any appointment with a disclaimer about crying. And sometimes I wonder if it's hormonal since one of my personal comorbities is menorhaggia and I take birth control every day with no break because my OB/GYN doesn't want me to bleed at all. (I don't stop if I start) So, if I see a touching Hallmark commercial....yep, I'm weeping like a willow. So, I'm worried about the psych eval too. I'm going to see my surgeon for the first time Monday, and I plan to discuss this with him (especially since I will have to give HIM the disclaimer too) I just hope that my emotional show will help, not hurt.
   — Wendy C.