Question:
When I went to see my Psych. he said I didn't need to take the MMP.

I don't understand. I didn't have to take the MMP. Will I have to go back and take it? I have a KY medical card. Does that make a differece on taking the MMP?    — Sandra B. (posted on December 3, 2002)

December 2, 2002
Not everyone takes the MMP. It is a very long and arduous testing tool, and not all psychologists/-iatrists use it for this type of psych exam. It is not required for WLS.
   — Scarlett A.

December 2, 2002
Im a therapist who does psych assessments for WLS. I dont use the MMPI. Never forget what its like to be obese and never stand by while someone else is treated badly. Good luck in your journey!
   — k r.

December 2, 2002
Please enlighten me as to what the MMP test is. I have been in counseling and psychiatric care for almost 8 years and do not remember anything called MMP or taking anything more than a basic questionaire at my family doctor's office, when he first suspected depression. Heck I fooled that test and that doctor - but it made me realize he had maybe hit the nail head. That was January 1995 and many appointments ago. But I am so much better for this past 8 years of treatment and medication. Life in a stable mental state is so much nicer!
   — zoedogcbr

December 3, 2002
Sandra, I also have the KY medical card. All they wanted was a letter from a psych stating that I was competent to make the decision to have surgery. I was approved and am now waiting for my surgery on January 9th. Best of luck to you on your journey, if I can be of help don't hesitate to email me! [email protected] God Bless
   — garnet156

December 3, 2002
I asked my psychologist if I could take the MMPI (not for wls, for other reasons) and she told me that the only time they give people the MMPI is if they think the patient might be schizophrenic or have some sort of dementia. LOL it makes me wonder why some surgeons require that we take that test!
   — fropunka

December 3, 2002
I live in minnesota and it seems to me everyone wantin WLS has to take that test here..i took it the first time and the psych lady said i was too depressed for WLS! lol i retook it with another lady and passed with flying colors! if you dont have to take it feel lucky if you do end up having to take it make sure you are in a great mood when you do coz the test will be able to read your mood and thats why they failed me ..weird huh..
   — christine S.

December 3, 2002
Aloha!! The MMPI is a tool used by some surgeons and insurance companies to indicate whether you are prepared for the surgery and will be a compliant patient. However, not all insurance companies OR surgeons require it. The surgeon I was seeing prior to moving to the surgeon who actually performed my surgery, required the MMPI. However, my actual surgeon does not. With him, I had a psych eval with a behavioral psychologist. Keep in mind, I had the same exact insurance going to both of these docs...but their program requirements were different. Don't worry!!! I am sure your surgeon knows what the insurance criteria is for your carrier. It might be his personal option not to require it. If you are unsure, call the surgeon's office and ask what their psychological evaluation criteria is and if it is based on the insurance carrier or not. The MMPI test has to be scored by a Licensed Psychologist who bills insurance companies for scoring your test. Many insurance companies don't want to pay this... so they don't require it. Hang in there! I am sure all is well! Hugs, Kathie (in Hawaii)....... Open RNY / 08-07-02 Down 98 Pounds!!!
   — KathieInHawaii