Bariatric Surgery Assessment
Bariatric Surgery keeps changing peoples lives and is one of the most effective treatments for obesity. Yet as for being a safe method, it is still an invasive procedure that requires complex physical and laboratory examination to establish whether a patient with obesity can benefit from a bariatric procedure, as well as psychological assessment to determine if psychiatric conditions can impair a patient’s ability to handle the surgery.
Do all patients preparing for bariatric surgery need to be evaluated by a psychologist?
No. Only patients who are at higher risk of mental illness or who have a history of uncontrolled mental illness should undergo psychiatric screening. Further counseling should be mandated when clinically necessary.
What am I going to be assessed for?
Depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, history of abuse, family history of mental health issues, and any psychiatric treatment experiences.
Why is there a requirement for psychological assessment for this surgery?
Because compared with the general population, patients affected by obesity have a higher rate of mental illness, addiction, and sexual abuse.
Some of the contraindications for bariatric surgery:
• Uncontrolled psychiatric disorder
• Suicide attempt within the last 18 months
• Active substance abuse
• Active smoking (patients must be smoke-free for at least 6 months)
• Chronic long-term steroid use
• Mental or intellectual limitations that would make adherence to dietary or lifestyle modifications a challenge
• Inability to care for self
• Active bulimia nervosa
Ongoing Bariatric Support
The Journey Continues...
After assessment and clearance, you don't have to go it alone.
We offer Bariatric Surgery Specialized Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Therapy Support Groups.
Bariatric Surgery Specialized Behavioral Therapy
-Work with a therapist supervised by Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Dr. Matt Maher.
-Focus on how your relationship with food affects your diet, motivation to exercise, and ability to be as successful as possible.
-Use scientifically proven models of behavioral change in order to achieve your weight loss and health goals, one step at a time.
Behavioral Therapy Support Groups
-These weekly groups are covered by many insurances, and affordable when not.
-Work with a therapist whose goal is to highlight shared struggles and share ways of supporting one another.
-Groups meet virtually to allow for comfort and privacy of all group members.
.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png)