I went for my psych eval today – one of the final steps in meeting my insurance requirements. I wasn’t remotely worried about this evaluation until sometime last night. I started worrying that he’d think I’m under too much stress or maybe I’d answer something incorrectly, etc. I told myself these were baseless fears, but still I was a bit worried.
Pretty sure I did just fine. He quizzed me on all things Lap Band, which really surprised me. No one had told me that was what this would be all about. I thought this was just a get-inside-her-head-and-make-sure-she’s-capable-and-not-insane evaluation. He liked my description of the band and I already have a firm grasp on what to do pre/post-surgery. He was impressed that I’d already found www.lapbandtalk.com (I’m eyeononederland there, too, if anyone wants to check it out!) and also impressed that I’m blogging as well. I told him I’d seen both ends of the spectrum when it comes to using the band as a tool. My ex-boyfriend did all the wrong things – shoveled down junk food, vomited several times a day, gained and lost all over the place. My husband, however, has done an amazing job and the inspiration he’s given me is what made me finally decide to take this step. He’s worked out, eaten fairly healthy (my cooking skills have helped!) and he hasn’t gotten truly stuck in quite some time. He listens to his body and he stops when he’s full. He’s lost roughly 180lbs in about 2 years (50 during pre-surgery and 130 with the band). Even better, he’s kept it off for almost a year now.
After the 30 minute consult, I was given the lovely MMPI – Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. He cut it down to a mere 370 questions – all T/F. (Okay, not really “questions” – they’re statements and you have to agree/disagree.) I’d say at least 100 of these were aimed at paranoid schizophrenics. (“I hear voices that no one else hears.” “I would be more successful if everyone wasn’t out to get me.” “Sometimes I see animals or people who no one else can see.”) Another 100 were to determine whether I’m party girl or a closet case. Around question 305, I started dozing off. If it hadn’t been for the nodding off, I’d have been done in no time. All in all, the consult plus questionnaire took 1.5hrs.
Through it all, I noticed something odd: Whoever wrote this thing really likes the word “oftener.”
Oftener??!
Yes, “oftener.” I wasn’t even aware that was a word. I’ve always just said “more often.”
(whoo-wee…”often” is one of those words that starts to make my brain hurt if I stare at it too long. I’ll try not to do that oftener than usual. Oy – see?!? That doesn’t even feel right! OFTENER)
Anyhow.
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I’ve decided on a tracking method for my journey. I plan to weigh myself once/week and measure myself once/month. You can check those results here on my Stats page.
Today’s starting stats were a doozy. I can’t imagine having hips. I find it hard to believe I could one day have a waistline less than 4 feet in circumference.
But I will get there.
Eye on "One"derland 