Question:
Psych evaluation...what is the Dr looking for?

I'm really nervous, I'm going for my psych evaluation on Monday and I really dont know what to expect...What is he looking for me to say? Any things I shouldnt say?    — Janice C. (posted on September 5, 2003)

September 5, 2003
The most important thing I can tell you about the psych evaluation is be yourself. I had mind a little over a week ago and she came right out and told me that the reason we are asked to do this is to try and identify if what has caused us to gain weight may continue to be an issue that will hinder or hurt us as a post-op. By telling a lie you are only hurting yourself. By being honest (as with any addiction) you are admitting you have a problem, recognize it as such, and are prepared to deal with it. Hope that helps to answer your question. Much luck!
   — firelace

September 5, 2003
Like Susan said don't try and be what you think they want you to be. Be yourself. Be honest. You don't want them jumping to any conclusions by something you say that doesn't make sense. Most just want to make sure that you truly know what you are getting into, what changes will be required of you as a post-op and what they are going to do to you. It does vary quite a bit but see if you can find someone in a local support group that went to the same psych person and see how theirs went. Very few are denied and even then it is ually that they just want the person to either get some counseling or maybe some depression meds for a while before proceeding and believe me it is better to have depression and the like under reasonable control before having a major surgery, especially WLS. So don't be afraid. Go in and answer things honestly.
   — zoedogcbr

September 5, 2003
I had to have one too and was stressing over the fact that I may say something that would be taken out of context. When I'm nervous I make jokes and sometimes those jokes can come out the wrong way. Anyway that day I was calm and relaxed and went in there knowing this is something I had to do. I was myself and answered her questions honestly. I was given several pages of multi-choice questions to fill out and a few that require a written answer. Once those were done I got to speak with the doc. She just asked me what I expected to happen, why I was choosing surgery, if I had a support system, and what if surgery didn't work (just a few I can remember). I'll tell you this was one test I did NOT want to do but so far its been the easiest. Try not to be to nervous its not that bad. Just relax, take a few deep breaths, be yourself, and it should go fine. Good luck!
   — Renee A.

September 6, 2003
Don't volunteer any extra info!
   — Danmark