Question:
I need a good definition of a psyche eval . I don't think my therapist has a clue.

She seems to be basing her decisions on my past history with my love of food. She says I won't follow through with the requirements of post-op. I don't think that she has a clue as to what WLS is all about. I get the impression that she is not very informed on what this surgery is about. Any help really appreciated. PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS Living in the twilight zone, I think. So many uninformed professionals out there. Going CRAZY in Taylor, MI Claudette    — Claudette G. (posted on May 5, 2001)

May 5, 2001
Both my counselor & dietician were like that. It was as though they were trying to talk me out of the surgery. They were making it sound scarry and almost talking down to me. They asked, "so how will you be able to control yourself a year or two down the road when you'll be able to overeat again?" "You know you can gain your weight all back again". I'm real worried about your attitude towards food" and so on and so on ! It must be a scare tactic to see if you mean business. That is all I can think of. Just continue to educate yourself on the surgery, and let them know you know what you're doing. I knew more than the counselor did and I think she ended up a little intimidated by me. She thought I was a nurse. She didn't even know what comorbidities meant I said, "what...you don't know what comorbidities is?" I even had better anatomical pictures of the surgery that I downloaded from the internet than my surgeon had. I think its a little sad that they are being this way. This surgery has given many people hope again, and new lives, and they are making people feel like they don't know what they are doing. I do believe they need to make sure the patient making a clear understandable informed decision about themselves, but I believe it could be done differently. Just be strong and don't let them intimidate you, follow your heart and believe in yourself. And get encouragement places like here on this website.
   — Karla K.

May 5, 2001
The only advice I can give you is how my evaluation went. I saw the Doctor and he asked my what I knew about WLS. We talked about my current family life and the support and stresses I have at home. I took a 380 question test that asked you groups of questions but many diffrent ways. Things like "Does your family think you have a drinking problem?" "Do you get along with people?" The many questions aaare to ask you about things like Drinking, drug use, if your depressed, how you handle stress, what you do to cope, your personality and if you have a lot of medical problems. I Think you need not to be extreme in anything to pass. I had semi-high levels of depression and medical problems understandable with being morbidaly obese. Hope I could be of help.
   — [Anonymous]

May 5, 2001
-------------Letter from psychologist------------- July 20, 2000 To Whom it May Concern: Jeanne T is not suffering from any mental or emotional disorders which would be detrimental to the RNY Gastric Bypass. Jeanne's weight problems have made a negative impact on her life for many years. Jeanne is prepared for the surgery and is aware that the recovery may be difficult. She maintains a positive attitude about the surgery and its outcomes. Susan T. Clinical Psychology OK me again! When I called for my consultation with the surgeon, I spoke to his assistant. She said that I needed an evaluation. I didn't have a clue what they wanted. SHe explained it to me. Members of my family were patients of the above psychologist, though I had never met her. So I called the psychologist, told her who I was and what I needed from her. I met with her for an hour, told her all about the surgery (she didnt know anything about it), and discussed my weight issues. I specifically told her what the letter needed to say, (per the assistant) ie: I knew what the surgery was about, how my weight affects my emotional well being and that I wasnt suffering from any mental disorders. I was approved with this letter as were two other members of my family.
   — Jeannet