Question:
Can anyone give me in general what to expect in my psych eval
I just found out that my insurance is requiring that I have a psych eval before surgery. I am a little nervous, I don't have anything to hide, I just don't know what to expect. Can anyone help me with this. Thanks,Angela — Angela M. (posted on May 17, 2003)
May 17, 2003
The library here has loads of info on this. Just type in psych eval and
hit search. They really are just looking to weed out those who might think
this surgery is a cure-all overnight and to see if you understand what you
are getting into and are going to be able to take care of yourself as far
as understanding what you have to do to be successful. Not a big deal.
Good luck.
— Delores S.
May 17, 2003
Angela, my psyche eval was as they say, "Much Ado About Nothing."
Now I'm not saying its the norm, just what I experienced. He asked me what
I'd imagine is usual, have you ever thought about hurting yourself? How do
you feel about yourself? Does the idea of a possible relationship after
weightloss scare you? . . . A lot of very general, and what I'd call common
sense questions. 45 minutes, maybe. Relax and be honest. There's nothing
wrong with admitting you're nervous about your life taking a new direction.
Good luck, Linda
— lorien
May 17, 2003
Just had mine on the 8th. He went through questions about your history,
diet and family. Looking for support that you have. Also questions making
sure you understand how the surgery is going to change your life. I did
have to take a series of tests. First one was a visualization, such as
looking at a picture of 3 things, what would be the 4th. Next was 2 T or F
tests. 240 questions and then 567 questions. Took about 2 hours.
— Diana P.
May 17, 2003
Really depends on how go you to, some people what evals that are hours mine
consisted of someone quickly (10 minutes) accessing that I was
knowledgeable, educated with realistic expectations who then pulled over
her lap top and said..."okay what does this letter need to say for you
insurance"?
— Sarah S.
May 17, 2003
Hi Angela, the psyc eval is really a cinch. I had mine back in Feb and it
was basically what I wanted to do, why, support network, why I eat, if I
was depressed, if I was ever abused, if I was on any medication, if I knew
my co-morbidities, if I thought this surgery was an easy way out our not
(which it isn't), the weight loss attempts I have tried, and oh yes, the
ever so friendly and every sooooo boring and weird 567 questions. But, I
don't think you really have to go into too much detail with the doc, but
there is a great website www.lapsf.com which if you download the
"patient information guide" on page 13 there is a document that
you can print out that tells you basically what the insurance and or
surgeon is looking for. It says to fax it back to the surgery center,
however you don't have to do that. I am not using those doctors either,
however they have ALOT of great information on the surgery itself,
insurance information, after care and pretty much anything else that you
might have questions about...Much Love and God Bless... :)
— Alisia P.
May 17, 2003
I too am facing my psy. eval on May 27th. Although I'm doing mine with a
nurse for some reason. I was told I'd have a paper test (probably some
long list of questions) and then talk to the nurse and to expect to be
there at least 2 hours. Pretty much...use common sense. What I've learned
in my psychology classes is simply that...most of the written tests given
can be "thrown" in your favor just by avoiding the obvious
"i hate the world, i hate myself" answers. Of course...don't be
too perfect and answer "i love everyone all the time!"
because...well...no one does. If they do, their probably already
medicated. lol GOOD LUCK
— Renee B.
May 18, 2003
Angela,
My insurance required me to have one before the paperwork was even
submitted. The Dr's office said that the insurance company wanted to be
sure that I did have a screw loose or was on drugs :))). It was easy except
that I thought I might need an eye exam after it was over. My Dr. gives you
the test and you sit in his office and fill it out. He sends it off and I
guess if you pass, they contact you. I must have passed the silly thing,
because I am scheduled for preop testing July 3rd. It was'nt hard, just
aggrevating. Good Luck.
— peanutpatty
May 18, 2003
Hi Angela, I had my psych exam back in January. I had been nervous about
it too. I went to the Dr that is on the surgeon's list. (I figure, if they
are on the surgeon's list, they most likely approve of the surgery to begin
with, so it's a plus) It turned out to be one of the easiest screenings I
had. We just sat and talked for about 45 mins. No formal tests. He just
asked me some questions, ever take drugs, think about suicide, why do you
want this surgery, what do you think this surgery can do for you, that kind
of stuff. He told me before I left his office that he would approve me for
surgery. 3 days post op now.
— KellyJeanB
July 22, 2004
I just had mine last week. It was about 2 1/2 hours long. There was an
initial interview that was about a half hour and then a 500 question test.
The test was very simple. It was just checking to make sure you don't have
things like multiple personalities, depression, anxiety or things like
that. In the interview she just asked my family history and wanted to know
if there was any history of any type of abuse. It is basically to make sure
you have a good, supportive environment for after surgery. I was told today
that she approved me.
— Kara P.
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