Pre-Surgical Bariatric Psychological Evaluation

Weight Loss Surgery is a life-changing procedure that can be used as a tool for achieving significant weight loss. Undergoing such a procedure involves more than just physical changes. The psychological aspect plays a crucial role in the overall success of the surgery and long-term weight management. That’s why surgeons and insurance companies require a psychological evaluation prior to surgery.

What can I expect during a pre-surgical bariatric evaluation?

Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive paperwork, including self-report questionnaires. It should take about 30 minutes to complete the paperwork and this will need to be returned at least 24 hours prior to the guided clinical interview. It is crucial that you take your time and be honest in your responses.

During your session, we will cover issues such as:

· Personal motivation for having surgery and what you hope to achieve.

· Emotional, binge and night eating behaviors.

· Weight and diet history: most bariatric patients will have tried several different diets and exercise regimens to lose weight, only to be disappointed by their lack of success. We will talk about past diets and exercises you have tried, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Reflecting on your previous successes, both how and why you attained your goals in the past will lend valuable insights.

· Past and current eating habits, patterns and behaviors in order to make recommendations for a smoother transition into your new lifestyle.

· Childhood and family history play a vital role in shaping who we become. Factors such as our upbringing, genetics, family eating habits, and stressful living conditions all contribute to forming "patterns" or "habits" that persist into adulthood. For example, individuals may feel the need to finish their plates or indulge in ice cream after their children have gone to bed. By exploring these thought processes, we can gain valuable insights that will aid in long term success after bariatric surgery.

· Understanding of the surgery, risks, lifestyle changes and behavioral modifications that are required after surgery to maximize long-term success

· Close relationships and social support system.

· Mental health history, addictions and current or psychiatric symptoms

· Psychological issues that could affect your surgical outcome

· Realistic weight loss expectations after surgery

· Lifestyle (e.g., sleep, exercise, smoking, alcohol and drug use)

· Levels of stress and ability to cope with stress

· Ability to follow a treatment regimen (diet, exercise, supplements)

· Any worries you may have about the surgery.

· Support available after surgery.

The evaluation usually requires 1 initial appointment, but depending on your unique situation, 2 appointments might be needed. To wrap up your evaluation, we will discuss any recommendations that will help you to be fully prepared for the surgery from a behavioral and psychological perspective. The report will be sent directly to your surgeon within 7 days of your evaluation date.

Most patients are good candidates for surgery, even when some concerns are present. Those who may need treatment prior to surgery will be given specific recommendations in order to have the best treatment outcomes. Ultimately, your surgeon will make the decision as to whether he or she will proceed with the surgery.

I understand that the journey of bariatric surgery can be quite overwhelming. I have been through the whole process as a bariatric patient and I understand the challenges, anxiety, and excitement associated with surgery. I am here to support you, not only in completing your psychological evaluation requirement for your bariatric program, but also to set you up for long-term success and sustainable weight loss by addressing the mental, emotional and behavioral components to this journey. My goal is for you to have the knowledge and sense of confidence in order to positively transform your life from the inside out, long-term.

Psychological Evaluations are conducted following the guidelines of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)