Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Psychological Services

Psychological evaluation of patients before bariatric surgery is a critical step, not only because it is required by most insurance companies, but more importantly, to better understand your motivation, readiness, behavioral challenges, social support and any emotional factors that may impact your adjustment to the significant life-long lifestyle changes that accompany bariatric surgery.

The goal of the psychological evaluation is to support patients in being most successful with post-surgical weight loss and prevention of weight re-gain by identifying any personal factors that may complicate short and long-term outcomes and make recommendations to assist with any needed changes.

At Baptist Behavioral Health, we follow best practice guidelines from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) as well as other leaders in the field of bariatrics to ensure we fulfill the bariatric evaluation requirements that insurance companies expect. The evaluation consists of a 60-minute face-to-face clinical interview, followed by psychological computer-based testing. A feedback session is scheduled with the patient to openly discuss recommendations and impressions before sending a final report to the patient’s surgeon.

Psychological Evaluation Report

The written report of the psychological evaluation is usually available within 10 business days from the date of assessment provided all online testing has been completed and a release of information has been completed.

Many patients wait and do not initiate needed changes until after their surgery. Addressing problematic thoughts or behaviors BEFORE surgery will help set you up for success in the weeks, months and years to come. Data shows that those who participate in these interventions pre-surgery are usually more successful in sustaining their weight loss.

After surgery, some patients experience continued challenges adhering to new eating and exercise regimens. This may interfere with meeting your weight loss goals or may lead to weight regain, as a result of reverting back to previous unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Additionally, as you lose weight, new emotional or social issues may arise that you did not anticipate. Professional psychological support from bariatric experts can help if you become discouraged due to weight loss plateaus or experience weight regain.

Psychotherapy at any point in the bariatric surgery journey is typically brief, time-limited and based on evidence-based practices. It is focused on providing support and teaching targeted skills and strategies to help you with:

• Implementing and practicing lifestyle changes
• Behavioral modification/Goal-setting
• Emotional eating
• Binge eating or other disordered eating behaviors
• Unhealthy behaviors such as alcohol or nicotine use
• Negative “self-talk” about your body image
• Eating “mindfully”
• Coping skills
• Anxiety or depression
• Relationship or work stress
• Adjusting to the “new you”
• Other factors that may impede your success

Contact us to learn more about our group therapy options.