Bariatric Surgery Evaluations
Bariatric Psychological Assessments
What to Expect from a Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation:
A bariatric psychological assessment can help improve outcomes and reduce treatment failures. While medical adherence is important, the patient’s understanding of how social, emotional, biological, and behavioral factors intervene will be crucial in maintaining a successful outcome. For example, one’s relationship with food will totally change. What you eat, how you eat, how much you eat, where you eat, and who you eat with may significantly impact your success. Additionally, we tend to have a psychological relationship with food. Understanding your triggers and your relationship with food can help create healthy behavioral patterns for yourself, whether or not you undergo bariatric surgery.
Why This Evaluation Matters?
This assessment helps identify:
- Emotional readiness for lifestyle changes
- Eating behaviors and relationship with food
- Stress coping mechanisms
- Expectations about surgery outcomes
- Ability to maintain long-term behavioral changes
- Psychological stability and support systems
What the Evaluation Includes
- Clinical interview
- Eating behavior and lifestyle assessment
- Psychological screening tools
- Review of mental health history
- Assessment of readiness and motivation
- Written report for surgical team
What to Expect in an Assessment?
A psychological consultation usually consists of a one-hour interview and two to three hours of psychological testing, held over one or two meetings. The provider will then meet with you to discuss the results and forward the report to your physician, after receiving your written consent. We at Calm Grounding Psychological Services are also available to offer continued support for as long as it is needed or desired. Additionally, we can provide referrals if we feel that your eating concerns require specialized treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do I need so get a psychological evaluation?
Most surgeons require a psychological evaluation to aid in their determination for surgery to their patients will have the best post-surgical outcomes.
When will I get the results of the evaluation?
The psychologist will have the results in 2-3 weeks and will schedule a meeting with you to discuss the results.
Who will see a copy of my report?
A copy of your report will be shared with the treating physician/surgeon with your consent.
Will I receive a copy of my report?
Yes, a copy of the report will be made available to you once payment has been received.