Pre-bariatric Psychological Evaluation

At the scheduled time of our meeting, you will need to log in using the link provided in the appointment reminder. The duration of appointments will be approximately 50 minutes.

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 longterm success

• Close relationships and social support system.

• Mental health history, addictions  and current or psychiatric symptoms .

• Psychological issues that could effect 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 a decision as to whether he or she will proceed with the surgery – not the mental health professional .

I am not contracted with any insurance companies, but will provide a superbill on request to submit to your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement according to your spesific plan details.

I understand that embarking on 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, fears and uncertainties, as well as the excitement associated with the surgery. I am here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that you not only complete your Psychological Evaluation requirement but also leave with a newfound sense of confidence in understanding how bariatric surgery will positively transform your life.

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

Contact me if you have questions or concerns.