Information for Physicians
Bariatric Surgery: Pre-operative Psychological Assessment and Follow-up
Surgical weight reduction can be an effective strategy for permanent weight loss, encouraging lifestyle modification, reducing health risks, and improving quality of life. A number of psychological factors have been linked to how well bariatric patients adjust to changes in their body image, cope with the immediate post-operative dietary restrictions, and develop new image and self-care strategies for nutrition and exercise. Successful bariatric surgery programs have demonstrated that integrated psychological services can identify and treat those psychological factors that can compromise adherence, coping and outcomes.
We have developed an evaluation protocol that relies on empirical research on behavioral health in bariatric populations. We incorporate questions that give physicians important information about compliance, expectations, and available support. We assess behavioral risk factors that can compromise patient outcome. We rely on a clinical interview combined with validated psychological testing for a comprehensive pre-operative assessment. The evaluation yields an invaluable tool for managing psychological risk and anticipating psychological confounds.
Certain patients require adapted or expedited evaluations due to travel or health limitations. We have developed a protocol for conducting telephonic or video-assisted evaluations on your referral or request.