Wayne Hulon Psychologist

Some physicians who perform bariatric surgery will be satisfied with a psychological evaluation that merely indicates the prospective candidate is sufficiently mentally intact to understand what will be required of them in making the physical changes necessary post weight loss surgery. An evaluation of that type provides little of value to the patient - little more than the needed "OK for surgery". (Some patients may think this is all they need - the "OK" leads to surgery, which leads to weight loss - IF AND ONLY IF you REALLY make the changes needed. Surgery alone does not and CANNOT fix the reasons we ate compulsively.) Wayne's program provides SO MUCH MORE than the average psychological evaluation. The interview provides an opportunity to explore those areas of your life that are painful, less than satisfying, etc. - that you may or may not think are well-hidden but actually are in full view of everyone in the form of the fat you carry daily. (Others may not see the details - just the results.) If you REALLY want to change the results you've gotten in life so far, surgery by itself is NOT the answer! Yes, the "OK" seems like the one remaining barrier to surgery, but I truly feel that those who have posted negative comments about Wayne may honestly have missed the opportunity to see what it is they could learn about themselves in order to get different results in their lives. This rare professional takes the risk of actually caring for those he serves. It was evident from his very first comment to me a year ago. It is evident to everyone who attends weekly group sessions, which Wayne holds for FREE. As for the money end of things - I know many patients get their surgery covered by insurance, so the cost of the psych eval that is out of pocket seems big, in comparison. I didn't have insurance that would cover the surgery - so the whole thing was out of pocket for me - (surgery alone cost me about 14 months of my take-home pay). To me, I had reached a point where I was in physical pain every day, and scared I was going to go blind from diabetes (which I wasn't compliant with). But I walked away from my first appointment with Wayne with a lot to "take in" - areas to rethink through, challenges to help me grow, decisions to make, etc. Was that road harder than just getting the "OK"? Yes, and no. For to have only received an OK and none of the support and growth I have received since - I think that would have been MUCH HARDER. Certainly, failing - regaining the weight, or not losing it, because I didn't reach the mental point of being willing to give up my existing crutch (food) in order to really LIVE my life, not just EXIST - that would have been MUCH HARDER. Take it from someone who wasn't sure I'd ever successfully lose weight - I've lost 157 lbs IN ONE YEAR! And still going. BECAUSE I did the eval, and the workshop, and followed through on the rest of things - for no one else but me. I am living a better life because of it - not just because of my weight loss, but because of a revived spirit alive inside of me. I am 1000% certain I will forever be "in gratitude" to this dedicated, caring professional.

First of all I don't think Mr. Hullon is a licensed Physcologist. Second of all he was terrible about jumping to conclusions without even knowing a persons past. Mr. Hullons biggest mistake with me was to think that just because I am overweight, that I am an idiot. I saw right through him, and I felt as if he took advantage of people financially for his own personal gain just because he had the power to say yeah or nay on the physciatric end of things. I also felt that he treated me differently because I chose to buck his system and see physciatric professionals who where in my insurance network and didn't agree to pay money I didn't have to "His Guy" who by the way did not accept insurance, and did not give a diagnosis. I know several other people in the same program as I had a different experience, but they did everything Wayne told them to so of course their experience was different. I don't believe this man has the best interest of obese patients at heart, I think he has the best interest of his wallet in mind and that is it.

There is a true genunine feeling of caring from Wayne Hulon and his associates, Greg and Betsy. Had psych evaluation with Wayne on 7/2. The weekend workshop was emotionally draining and at the same time, uplifting. Wayne challenged me to really see myself and where I want to go, to look behind the mask and face my fears. I am excited about my future, but now I am also excited about the journey.

I have to say the workshop was very inspiring and helpful. I would do it again. The only negative thing I have to say about this weekend workshop is that you have to wait forever to find out if you have been cleared for surgery. It has been since July 18, 2003 and I still have not heard anything from them. I call and they say it takes as long as it takes. I don't even know if my insurance will approve the surgery yet and I had to put out a lot of money. I guess I'm just frustrated because the initial visit with Dr. Cox he said I would be cleared and shouldn't have any problems. Have patients and tenacity when dealing with the psych dept.

It was a pleasure to meet Wayne Hulon and his associates, Greg Cox and Betsy Rhyland. I hear and see comments like he is in it only for the money. That, in my opinion, is the furthest thing from the truth. If you had to pay an hourly rate for another psychologist to achieve the same results, it would cost you much, much more than the cost of Wayne's program. This program is not just a clearence for weight loss surgery only, it is a step, it is a step to helping you become a better person - a whole person. I admire Wayne and the other's commitment to the patients of Dr. Procter and Dr. Richards - they give up their weekends and nights to help folks like us. They are worth every penny and then some.

It's hard to put into words how much of an impact Wayne can make but he is great. If it weren't for him, this surgery would be a lot tougher and I guess that's why Dr. Procter has him on his staff1 He is so understanding and ust a great guy. He really makes you think and helps you help yourself. In my opinion, his part of the program is the most important in WLS & its success.

Wayne's weekend workshop changed my life. He somehow forces you to stop hiding from yourself & confront the pain which changes it to memories through understanding.

if i was in a foxhole, and needed someone to depend on and be honest with me, this is the man i would want.

Wayne Hulon turned me down for Dr. Proctor's program after collecting more than $700 in fees. I have since had succesful surgery with another physician, (Dr. Souza in Dublin) where I have a very cordial relationship with both Doctor Souza and his psychological counselor, Michael Mitchell.

Based on my experience, I think Dr. Hulon is most comfortable when he can inspire a guru-like affection and authority among the patients who are admitted to his program, and deliberately excludes patients who are strong willed or have opinions that are different from his.

This man is wonderful - if you like someone to talk to you like Dr. Phil! He has a wonderful BS-meter. If you don't like someone telling you that you are not being honest with yourself or him - then you won't like or appreciate Wayne.