Question:
What is the purpose of a psych. evaluation and what do they do?

   — K T. (posted on April 28, 2001)

April 28, 2001
Check out my profile for a copy of my evaluation. That's what the surgeon said he needed it to say and the insurance approved it without hassle.
   — Jeannet

April 29, 2001
You know, I just read another take on what they're looking for in a psych exam just yesterday on one of the DS egroups. I JUST took my psych tests on Friday and hearing her response, it hit me as important as well when I remembered some of the questions they asked. She (I'm sorry I'm not giving credit where it is due here!) said that they are also looking for "non-conformists" if you will, you know, those who maybe think it's OK to "cheat the gov't" or "bend the rules" if everyone does it. . . how much respect u have for your doctor in general, etc. I had at least 5 or so questions around this central theme (I hope I didn't sound too "non-conforming!" LOL!! But as she explained it, it is to see how well you will follow your doctor's instructions postop, including taking your supplements, vitamins, what u should and shouldn't eat and when, etc. As we know, this is a Major thing we are doing by rearranging our intestines and the way our body processes food and it can have some potentially harmful or lethal problems if we don't "stick to the plan." So, this can kind of clue them in as to whether or not we will comply or possibly cause our own problems post-op (and potentially cause problems/casualties for our doctor as well.) Like I said, remembering how I answered, I was ok with "bending some rules" etc, but, I consider a situation like the one I am entering by having WLS, NOT really bendable!! Hope I passed! Good luck!
   — ChristiMNB