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Your family physician should have the information and the papers required to have the Psych Evaluation.  Here in Victoria it is through the CRD Mental Health.

I thought I was supposed to have the Psych evaluation for Dr. Malik but I guess I didn't look as crazy as I thought I did … he said he didn't need it.

All the best to you.

John

My GP isn't involved.  MJ from Dr. Tang's told me to contact a psychologist myself and set it up.

Susan

The psychologist typically will ask questions to make sure:

a)  You are showing commitment to accept post op care and work with the program

b)  You are emotionally ready ( we have had a few that thought they were ready for a gastric band but were not quite there yet )

c)  Have no history of severe psychiatric disorder or chemical substance abuse

I have had a few patients that had a "good cry" but were fine to proceed for their surgery.

Best of luck!!

Rhonda

I was given the forms for the VIHA Mental Health Services mainly because it is covered on my medical, some private psychologists are not.

Here are a number of the questions:

Have you received any professional help for mental health?

What was the professional help for?

Current medical/physical problems that affect your quality of life?

List all medications.

Who would you consider to be supporters of your?

Has vilence been an issue in your life?

Do you have any suicidal thoughts?

Do you have past, current or pending legal charges?

Have you had any recent changes in things like sleep, appetite, weight, memory, consentration, energy level or motivation.

Rate your mood?

Are you experiencing anything unusual?

Do you have any reoccurring thoughts or behaviours that are distressing?

Indicate your current level of concern regarding things like, substance abuse, significan relationships, physical health, emotional, psychological and spiritual health, employment and education, criminal justice involvement, housing?

Is alcohol or drug us a problem?

How would this surgery change your life?

Dr. Tang's assistant, MJ, advised me that the psych assessment is now required for all patients.  Dr. T. had never discussed it with me but she suggested I have it done because he will want it before surgery.

I don't think they are necessarily questioning anyones readiness but I'm guessing there are a lot of different factors and if your doc asks for one then it would be a good idea just to sit back and go with the flow.

John

Well, I had my psych assessment, nothing to it.  First meeting was a couple hours, chatted for a while, asked me some logical questions, and then I did a test with about 400 questions.  My next visit was about 45 minutes. We just went over the test results and then she faxed off a letter to Dr. Tang.

Personally, I am glad that I had the assessment done, it reinforces how I feel about having the surgery, and the rest of my life.  I figure the more tests that are required the more informed everyone will be and that can only be to my advvantage.

Susan

I know what you're saying about the 400 questions, John….it seemed like it was never going to end.

Now my only worry is that  my upper GI test showed that I have a sliding hiatal hernia, and I'm worried that it might make it so the surgery can't be done….I'll find out next Monday I guess.

Susan

Just be aware that if you go to False Creek and have the psychological assessment, it will likely be with a person who hasn't read Jessie Ahroni's book and who doesn't realize the fill can come OUT after you reach your weight loss goal. This was a huge oversight and frankly insulting to serious people who have researched the Band and want to discuss it with someone who also knows something about it.  $1,000.00 for a consult and it's lost if you dont go through with it.

Dr. Amson – no psych consult – just sayin'.