Question:
What are they looking for in psych. test? Any advice on what to say or not say?

   — Kim L. (posted on February 19, 2003)

February 19, 2003
I asked my surgeon the same question. I was told it was no big deal and it wasn't. They are looking to make sure that you know what your doing and the ramifacations of it, and that you are not some freak that like to have surgery for the sake of having surgery. They are looking to see if you are depressed because sometimes people get depressed after surgery, because they have lost their best friend, food, and adding that on top of someone that is already depressed is uncalled for. It really isn't anthing to be worried about. I was a little concerned before I had mine but came through with no probs, You'll do fine!! Open RNY 11-11-02 down 100lbs
   — dkinson

February 19, 2003
From my experience I feel that he was looking at what I knew about the surgery, he asked alot of questions like, how will you deal with a stressful situation without food, how does your family feel, how do you handle negative comments.... I was honest with him and at the end he said that he felt that I had researched the surgery and that he felt confindent that I had a good support system (family and support group) and he felt confident that I would do fine. But I have heard some people have to take that dreaded test (not sure if that is common place for some Dr's or not) But the best advice is be informed, show your confidence about the surgery and what happens, happens. Needing a few extra sessions doesn't mean no surgery, it's to help you prepare. I've mentioned it before, my my boss (and my brother) were not required to do this, and they have both struggled with the process, neither was mentally prepared for what changes take place. This is a lifetime change and you have to be ready for it. It always surprises me when I hear someone say that they can eat whatever they want and not get sick. I won't let myself see what my thresh-hold is, because as long as I tell myself that I WILL get sick, it keeps me on the right path. Well, I have rambled on enough, I wish you the best of luck! It's not so bad.
   — Dana B.

February 19, 2003
Here I go again on my rant against the psych evaluation...I know it's almost been a year, but I am still bitter about not "passing" my 1st evaluation, and having to scramble around to get an appointment with another doc three days before my scheduled surgery - the stress just about made me "crazy"!. The stance to take is that you are happy with yourself and your life, but want the surgery to feel healthier and to reflect the inner you. Do not volunteer any traumas in your life. Do not say that you are depressed - whether it's weight related or not. Do not tell the doc too much...repeat after me...do not tell the doc too much. And make sure it's a doc your WLS doc has recommended. Hope this advice helps!
   — rebeccamayhew

February 19, 2003
According to my surgeon, they are looking for the following specific things: Adverse psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, severe behavioral disorders or severe neurosis may contraindicate surgery. Full understanding of the aim, risks and complications of surgery. Ability to understand and comply with instructions and recommendations. Acceptance of the need for active participation in the postoperative demands after surgery, for the rest of the patients life. Assessment of expectations or unrealistic goals. Hope that helps.
   — Amber L.

February 19, 2003
If you do have to yake the 500 Q test , which I did .. they ask alot of Ques. it different ways .. they are looking for honesty ,, there is no right or wrong answer ..but they can tell by the test if youre being honest .. The Dr told me the purpose was .. IF they could tell on my test that I was NOT being honest .. then she would know that the chances were good that I was trying to misslead her with my answers about depression and other pertinent Ques. This test is meant to protect you .
   — ruthie

February 19, 2003
Something positive that came out of my psych evaluation, which I had last week: I asked the psychologist if her discussion with me and/or my answers on the MMPI raised any red flags for her. She mentioned two things: First, I'm very independent-minded, and she said I probably wouldn't like the surgeon, who insists that you follow instructions about diet, etc. very precisely. This led me to make an appointment with my own regular therapist, to explore these issues that I'll have to get a handle on for surgery to go well. He's also going to tell her that I came for help on this, which I think can only benefit me in terms of the evaluation. The evaluation psychologist also said that it's likely that after surgery, when I lose weight, people are likely to treat me as smarter, more competent, etc., and that this will really tee me off. I thought her comments were very perceptive and useful.
   — sjwilde