I'm new here - Psychology appointment! What should I expect??

[hodgey03]

Hello!

I am relatively new to this site so I'll briefly fill you in about me. I was 8 stone all my life (I'm now 33) up until about 7 years ago when I got pregnant with my third child (I lost all my weight with my other two children) I fluctuated madly with my weight going up to 14 stone then back down then up again, then, I broke my left foot about 4 years ago and it still prevents me from walking for very long. My current weight is 19 stone, so you can see that I've really piled it on in the last 7 years! Anyway I went to my doctor last June to ask him to refer me, he did. I got my first appointment for the obesity clinic not long after and I left thinking they would give me a bypass. My second appointment, I actually saw the surgeon and he said to me 'You can see from the other people sitting in the waiting room, that you're not fat' I burst into tears:cry: and told him that being 19 stone is not exactly skinny!!! (I also thought that was an awful thing to say) I said my weight affects me and my 3 kids in a very bad way (I hardly go out. Because I used to be so slim, certain people burst out laughing if they see me in the street and others always comment on it so I just stay in) I said I wanted a bypass and was very firm on that and he said that maybe if I'd asked for a band instead of the bypass, he might consider it but because of my worrying hermit crab tendancies (my words, not his! he used words to the same effect) and the fact that I wasn't very overweight confused he was going to send me to see the head eek of psychology. Well, my appointment is on the 13 of January and I really don't know what to expect. I've had a long think and actually, I would have the band instead of the bypass if I'm such a worrying case and it bothered him so much. A point about my foot, I think that if my weight wasn't so high, my foot wouldn't hurt so much and then I could excersise more......anyway, I really need advice on what to expect at the app. on the 13, what if I say something that will kill my chances of getting either?!? Because I left the second app. thinking there was something wrong with my mind, I'm worried that I'll say something wrong on the 13th. Can anyone help me on this? Thanks in advance to all who read this any anyone that would like to reply.

 

[julieann]

Hi h and welcome to minis, sorry to hear that things didnt go very well with the surgeon and hopefully things will improve for you when you see the psychologist, im sorry that i cannot give you any advise as i paid privately to have my band fitted, but im sure it wont be long before someone else comes along to offer some advice. julie xx

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

Hello!

I am relatively new to this site so I'll briefly fill you in about me. I was 8 stone all my life (I'm now 33) up until about 7 years ago when I got pregnant with my third child (I lost all my weight with my other two children) I fluctuated madly with my weight going up to 14 stone then back down then up again, then, I broke my left foot about 4 years ago and it still prevents me from walking for very long. My current weight is 19 stone, so you can see that I've really piled it on in the last 7 years! Anyway I went to my doctor last June to ask him to refer me, he did. I got my first appointment for the obesity clinic not long after and I left thinking they would give me a bypass. My second appointment, I actually saw the surgeon and he said to me 'You can see from the other people sitting in the waiting room, that you're not fat' I burst into tears:cry: and told him that being 19 stone is not exactly skinny!!! (I also thought that was an awful thing to say) I said my weight affects me and my 3 kids in a very bad way (I hardly go out. Because I used to be so slim, certain people burst out laughing if they see me in the street and others always comment on it so I just stay in) I said I wanted a bypass and was very firm on that and he said that maybe if I'd asked for a band instead of the bypass, he might consider it but because of my worrying hermit crab tendancies (my words, not his! he used words to the same effect) and the fact that I wasn't very overweight confused he was going to send me to see the head eek of psychology. Well, my appointment is on the 13 of January and I really don't know what to expect. I've had a long think and actually, I would have the band instead of the bypass if I'm such a worrying case and it bothered him so much. A point about my foot, I think that if my weight wasn't so high, my foot wouldn't hurt so much and then I could excersise more......anyway, I really need advice on what to expect at the app. on the 13, what if I say something that will kill my chances of getting either?!? Because I left the second app. thinking there was something wrong with my mind, I'm worried that I'll say something wrong on the 13th. Can anyone help me on this? Thanks in advance to all who read this any anyone that would like to reply.

hi hodgey, im also in the north east, which surgeon did you see ? my surgeon is mr small, i had a nhs band in sunderland. ive havent been to physcology myself but the people ive spoken to that have say, they are ok, very relaxed and they look at what kind of relationship you have with food now and how to change that chain of thought after surgery and being able to cope with what a band brings as in changes into your life style.

liz x

 

[hodgey03]

Hiya Liz,

My surgeon is also Mr Small. What was your experience like in that hospital? When did you have the band fitted? How come you weren't referred to psycology? Tell me tell me tell me everything about your experience from start to finish! Sorry if I'm asking to many personal Qs! Is there a link I could click on that will take me directly to your page. I am new on here and every time I try to click on people's pages, it says I'm not allowed, not sure why. It's great to find someone who has had the same surgeon I could possibly have. Thanks

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

Hiya Liz,

My surgeon is also Mr Small. What was your experience like in that hospital? When did you have the band fitted? How come you weren't referred to psycology? Tell me tell me tell me everything about your experience from start to finish! Sorry if I'm asking to many personal Qs! Is there a link I could click on that will take me directly to your page. I am new on here and every time I try to click on people's pages, it says I'm not allowed, not sure why. It's great to find someone who has had the same surgeon I could possibly have. Thanks

the reason its not allowing you to access certain info is because you have to do 50 posts b4 it allows you to access diff things. ill send you a pm soon, i have had my band since march 2005, my experience with the hospital has been a very good one. i wasnt refered for psycology back then as things were done differently as they only funded 12 ppl a year 4 surgery then so i was lucky to be chosen, but things have changed alot since then.

ive sent you an email with my contact details.

 

[cazbandy]

I was also referred to pyschology.

Basically they find out about you, your family, your relationships within your families, your partner and the support system you have in place. Then they want to know about how you see food, how being overweight affects you and how it affects your daily living, ie house work, relationships etc.

Its was for about an hour and their report goes to the surgeon for him to consider.

As I had emotional eating issues they have asked me to see a pyschologist on a regular basis as part of the conditions of them funding the surgery. I have my first appointment with that team on Friday coming.

I know I have issues and I am grateful at last to get the help I really need.

Don't worry so much, there is more to consider for weightloss surgery than your state of mind.

But each PCT is different and I cannot advise of what the criteria is for WLS in your area. It might be worth finding out.

Just one question, what is your BMI?

 

[tammy]

Hi and welcome to minis. i was referred to psychology due to ongoing issues of depression and to make sure that i was mentally ready for surgery.

It was an absoloute joke to be honest with you i was seen by a very petite asian female who stated that surgery was not right for me and i just needed to get off my backside nad exercise!!!! i was just so relieved that my surgeon decided that he did not agree with her and agreed to do my surgery without her support.

i'm sure others have not had the same experiences and i hope it all goes ok for you x

 

[hodgey03]

My BMI is 41.61

 

[shelbell]

Hi hodgey, welcome to the madhouse! I'm not in your area, but i saw a psychologist as part of my funding process (and still see him now). My BMI was slightly lower than yours when I got funding so don't give up!

I would research the NICE guidelines for WLS, as they say a BMI of 40+ and that way when you go back to see Mr Small you can show him that you meet the criteria.

I found the psyche appointment good, I was just very honest about my food issues, and my history. I blubbed loads lol but obviously said something right as only had to see the psyche once whereas most people in my area have 2-3 appointments.

 

[hodgey03]

Hiya shellbell,

do you think there is a 'right thing to say' or a 'wrong thing' to say at the psychology app.? I would hate to lose my chance cos of something I blurted out! Thank you for your advice. x

 

[hodgey03]

Another thing! I forgot to mention that at my 1st app. at the clinic, they said 'Oh, lose 4kg and we'll do your bypass' then when I went back, the surgeon said I wasn't 'really that big' and he was sending me to see the psychologist. No wonder I cried!!!

 

[tesmaralda]

From what ive read with other peoples journeys the psych thing is as much to see whether you really understand the true effects a bypass will have. As there is still a lot of hard work involved after you have the bypass and its not an easy ride. Not that i'm saying your not aware or prepared for this but the surgeon could just be making sure that you are aware and thinking its a quick fix.

If you answer your questions truthfully and from the heart about how being overweight makes you feel then there can never be any wrong answers and you cant be caught out by trying to answer them the right right way and fluffing or forgeting what youve said to a previous question. Its also a time for many of to be completely honest about our relationship with food and how we got to be who we are today.

 

[shelbell]

I don't think there is a right or wrong thing to say. I think they are looking for honesty and most psychologists will know if you are holding back or not being completely truthful. To me, the best thing you can do is be yourself and answer their questions properly. At the end of the day they are assessing your emotional suitability for the surgery, and if you have any problems which would be exacerbated by the surgery, then surely it's better to find out beforehand so they can fix you

 

[phatgirl]

Great advice already given. Just wanted to say that I was required to see a psychologist as part of my process but not because I had any previous issues or anyone thought I would have a problem with the surgery. It was just a matter of a box to tick on my application. I think if you are open and honest you will feel more comfortable and the psychologist will see that. They really want to know that you understand what will happen and that you will have to change things about how you relate to food. Just be yourself and I bet you will do fine.

Good luck.

 

[hopelesscase]

just be yourself and tell it as it is. i saw a psycologist and she was really nice. in fact she asked me if i would be prepared to go back in 12 months time to let her know how it has all gone.

hc

 

[jaynefrances]

Hi Hodgey (and everyone else!)

I am slightly behind you, in that i have been referred to Mr Small and have been sent an appointment for 28th Jan at Sunderland for a "group appointment" Wasn't quite expecting a group appointment so i'm not sure what to expect ?
Its nice to finally find a couple of people who have been treated in the North East - anymore info people have about their experiences and any local support groups would be most welcome.

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

hi jayne i was banded at sunderalnd also.

 

[jaynefrances]

Hi Hodgey
Regarding Psychology, I had to go through my PCT's Specialist Weight Management Team to get a referral for surgery and i had to be screened by a team of professionals just to get into their support service - one of whom was a psychologist. Their main concern seems to be that you have come to this decision for the right reasons and have explored all other options. I made a specific point of outlining to the psychologist that i accepted responsibility for my weight problem and that i was motivated to make the changes, but that i did not feel i could do it without support. As other people have said, its important to ensure that they see you are strong enough to cope with the aftermath of surgery. I cried when i was speaking to my psychologist and later i panicked, thinking that she would see this as a weakness but luckily she didn't - just as well seeing as i cry most of the time when i talk about my weight !
When is your next appointment ?

 

[jaynefrances]

Hi Liz
I feel a bit like Hodgey in that i just want loads of nosey information from people. This probably sounds stupid, i can read posts from people all over the country but i'm craving stories from people going through it all in the North East, particularly the same surgeon/hospital.
How are you doing post band ?

 

[j.u.s.t.l.i.z.]

Hi Liz
I feel a bit like Hodgey in that i just want loads of nosey information from people. This probably sounds stupid, i can read posts from people all over the country but i'm craving stories from people going through it all in the North East, particularly the same surgeon/hospital.
How are you doing post band ?

hi jayne
i was banded a fair while back in 2005, so im sort of an old time bander, ive done ok, i lost 7 st 7 regained 2 stone as i had complications ect, but im back on my way down now, i have 1.5 stone to re loose now to re reach my target. you will be in good hands at s/land