Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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caruTH 07/21/2009

What if I don't pass my psych eval? I'm nervous alot about that. I know that I have had some emotional issues and the root of all of them is my weight. I'm insecure about my appearance. But I also go to food for emotional eating which contributes more to my obesity. Just wondering if you could all give me your experiences with your psych evaluations before your surgery. I just hope they won't deny me because of it.

deleted_user 07/21/2009

I too have had emotional issues and i did fine on my psych eval. I had to show to the psychologist that i was serious about the surgery and would try anything she wanted me to. She had me do small changes like no fast food and no soda for a week and after i did what she wanted she was happy. I have suffered from depression and was diagnosed with borderline bi polar several years ago and the psych lady said that many people who are obese deal with these issues. she was fully aware that my weight contributed to these issues. I think all will be ok. Good Luck

deleted_user 07/21/2009

How deeply a MHP delves into your emotional issues depends very much on who is doing it. They are primarily interested in if you understand what you are getting yourself into, have reasonable expectations of what WLS can accomplish, and that you are going to be capable of handling major surgery. Knowing up front and admitting you have issues and eat emotionally will actually work in your favor, as it shows you are aware of the non-surgical changes which must take place. Unless your life is a total mess, you will pass with flying colors.

deleted_user 07/21/2009

I thinks we ALL have issues like yours. I asked my psych evaluator what they were looking for in the evaluation and she said, essentially could this patient we a threat to themselves/others as a result of the surgery? Are they likely to be able to provide self-care after surgery? As long as you can discuss these issues, you'll probably be ok. As for the bi-polar issue, are you stable and in ongoing treatment, is more than likely what they will ask you, since any surgery or change in your health might cause a swing in behaviour...do you have access to a doc/team to help you regain stability should that happen? I can't imagine they'd be looking for much else.
Sounds like you are interested in your own care and changing your life for the better. As the mother of two bipolar young adults, I'm quite aware of bipolar impact. Just make sure you are tuned in with your care team. Good luck!!!!

caruTH 07/21/2009

I actually have seen my dr for my emotional issues even before I started the process to have the surgery. I'm medically treated for my depression so I pretty much have that under control. I do have my good days and bad days. Things that happen that get me stressed and make me worry. But that really doesn't happen much anymore and when they do I can talk myself out of the stressful feelings.

UpNorthGuy 07/22/2009

I was told that the real intention of the psych eval is to evaluate the level of stress that you are currently under and if you are capable and ready to take on the added stress of the lifestyle change after surgery. It is kind of a CYA thing for the doctors. I had to have a MMPI2 test and met with the clinician for an interview.. don't sweat it.. it was painless.. good luck!

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