I was also the first one to be referred for WLS at my hospital (Elland Spire, Halifax). So the psychologist I was referred to was kind of unsure about what he needed to do. From what I gathered from the meeting, and my understanding of psychology, it is basically to assess your fitness for surgery.
This can be grouped into 3 main categories:
1) Your general mental health. For example do you have a mental health problem which might need addressing prior to surgery. This could come in many forms, such as pre-existing conditions such as depression, bipolar, anxiety disorder...
2) Your mental health surrounding food and/or body image. For example do you have or have had problems such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating or body dysmorphic disorder which may effect both short term and long term recovery.
3) Realistic expectations. Do you fully comprehend what you are about to do. Do you understand REALISTICALLY what can be achieved from surgery. For example do you understand that you can actually gain wait post-op; do you know about the likely development of unsightly loose skin; do you understand that despite your body changing your mental state and problems you have now will not be cured; do you know that WLS is not a miracle cure; do you have an understanding of what your life will be like post-op - and how both your relationship with food and your personal relationships will change.
As I understand it, both criteria 1 and 2 can be dealt with at the session and future sessions; however, as far as I am aware it is criteria 3 which could possibly prevent you from getting a recommendation from the psychologist. And don't get me wrong your surgeon can override their conclusions if they feel it is necessary. However, the psychologists evaluation is not only a tool for your surgeon to base his decision on, it is a tool for you to try and advance your own understanding of yourself and what you are about to go through.
I know the procedure of being referred to a psychologist is controversial on this site, however, I firmly place myself within the view that a psych evaluation is a vital and integral part of the WLS process.
This surgery, although physical in nature, will undeniably have an impact on your continuing mental health. Your attitudes, addictions, body image, confidence, and all round mental health and well-being will change. A psychologists appointment will not only help you prepare yourself for this major change, but it will help you to develop and further your sense of self-awareness.
Gingernutter, I hope that helps somewhat in understanding what the psychologists appointment is about and what type of thing to expect. I really hope this will help you in your appeals process as from what I have read about your case and the hassle you have been forced to go though makes me really angry at the post-code lottery system we are currently living in!
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