The Morbid Me

Pre-Gastric Bypass Surgery Psychological Evaluation

The decision to undergo Obesity Surgery is a very serious one, and anyone considering it should think about it carefully, because it also involves the individual making significant lifestyle changes after the surgery is conducted.

Many surgeons, medical centers, and insurance companies require that patients who are to have this surgical procedure undergo a psychiatric or psychological evaluation to assess their psychological status prior to the Gastric Bypass Surgery.  The requirement for the patient to see a psychologist or psychiatrist is part of the preparation for the surgery.

Prior to the Gastric Bypass Surgery, patients should be evaluated to rule out any existing eating disorders or any other psychiatric or psychological issues that might adversely affect the results of the surgery.  The evaluation assesses whether the patient is mentally and emotionally prepared for the surgery, and is mentally and emotionally prepared to deal with the outcome of the surgery.

Psychological Evaluations assess the presence of any psychiatric issues that are relevant to the Gastric Bypass Surgery, such as:

• Whether or not the patient is psychotic or clinically depressed.
• Whether the patient is competent in making the decision to proceed with Gastric Bypass Surgery.
• Whether the patient fully comprehends to serious of the procedure and the lifestyle changes that must take place once it is done.
• Whether the patient has unrealistic expectations about the outcome of surgery.
• The patient's ability to handle the stress of the period following surgery.
• Any history of substance or alcohol abuse.

Psychological Evaluations are powerful tools that assist in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of any psychological, emotional, or behavioral problems that a patient might have. Psychological Evaluations are extremely important in preparation for Gastric Bypass Surgery.

The "Quick Fix" Syndrome

Before I had my operation, I had to deal with many “social” issues first. There was a group of friends who liked my idea of getting it done, and another group who just thought I was choosing the “easy way out” of my obesity problem.

What people do not understand is that Obesity is a disease, and it has been overwhelmingly proved that it can be in your genes and environment, and not only in your mouth.

I came across an interesting article in EchoOnline (an Eastern Michigan University Newsletter) that talks about this issue, and the columnist has an interesting point of view.

If you think that Gastric Bypass Surgery is an easy way out, I have to tell you, it is not. It does not solve your obesity problem at all if you do not change your lifestyle habits. It is just part of the equation. Also, it is not “easy”, since you have to endure, not only a delicate operation but a day by day recovery experience. So, it is defenitevely not a “set it and forget it” way out.

In my particular case, I have been struggling with weight for decades. I have tried everything, with success and failure. I truly needed the operation, because the way God wired me is just not compatible with my daily life. Don’t’ get me wrong, I am glad God did me as I am, but as I explained at the beginning, obesity is much more than eating that extra candy bar.

Overeating is in your Brain

Failing to feel full can sometimes signal the need to keep eating even though the body's fullness mechanism (called satiety) is doing its best to signal eating to stop. Sometimes it reflects a psychological need to eat (food can have a numbing effect and can help a person escape from feelings they don't like).

Seeing a therapist to help understand the role food is playing can be helpful for some people. For others, they just get used to eating a lot and it becomes habit. There may a physical basis as well. Sometimes medications make people eat more, as an example. You should probably ask your doctor just to be sure everything is OK on the physical front.

Your body's defense against overeating is probably in there somewhere, but it is being overwhelmed by something stronger - your desire to keep eating. A good goal is to get the eating under control and start paying attention to the stop signal. Eating healthy foods is a good start. Slowing eating can also be helpful. Having something to do (from a list of activities) when the urge to eat gets really strong can be a good aid.

There is also a very good book you might consider. It is called Overcoming Binge Eating (by Dr. Christopher Fairburn) and is a step-by-step guide for the person with compulsive eating problems.

New Feelings are emerging

Today I am 3 Months Post-op! Amazing, what so little time can do in my life. My weight is at 262 lbs, it was at 331 lbs. As you might already know, I do not base my success on loosing weight and setting up goals... I base my success on Real Life Experiences !

Last Sunday I had one of my first emotional feelings related to weight loss... I was in Orlando, Florida with my family enjoying Universal Studios attractions. Since I am a roller-coaster lover, I decided to ride the Dueling Dragons... but I had mixed feelings:

More than a year ago on another trip to the park, I was about to board the ride for the first time, I sat down but the security belt did not fit my size... I could not ride, I had to leave. I was too Big...

Well, yesterday I sat down, put the security belt in-place and enjoyed the ride comfortably.

Loosing weight is not only about health related issues to your body, it is also about your mental health and feelings. On an everyday basis, little things make a big difference !