So, you are considering bariatric surgery and you’ve learned of the need for a pre-surgery psychological evaluation. Patients often have questions about why a psych eval is part of the plan for weight loss surgery, what an assessment is like, and how they may “pass” the testing. Patients sometimes feel irritated by having to complete a bariatric surgery psych eval, as though the need for a preoperative assessment means their doctor thinks they are “crazy.” But a pre-surgical psych eval is a standard part of any weight loss surgery screening.
Why Require a Psych Eval for Weight Loss Surgery?
If you are considering weight loss surgery, you are likely aware that there are many reasons for carrying extra weight. Some of those reasons are physical, like health conditions and genetics. Other reasons are mental or emotional, like binge eating patterns or eating to cope with stress or emotions. Just as the decision for weight loss surgery is deeply personal, the factors that led to weight gain are individual.
A bariatric surgery psych eval can give your medical team (and you) insight into:
Why you are seeking surgery – your motivation
The food and health habits you have
Your understanding of the surgery
Your emotional and psychological readiness for surgery
What, if any, anxieties you may have about surgery
What your expectations of surgery are (and how realistic they are)
Your support system
Your understanding of what you will need to do after surgery, including major lifestyle and behavior changes
Weight loss surgery is a major medical procedure with strict post-surgical requirements. It is common to have emotional challenges in adjusting to a new way of life as well as your changing body and reactions from other people. Because of this, a pre-surgery psychological evaluation is an important part of the preparations.
What Happens During a Bariatric Surgery Psych Eval?
A psych eval for weight loss surgery consists of meeting with a psychologist for a clinical interview, and often a few questionnaires designed for pre-surgery psychological evaluations. This means the psychologist will ask many questions about you and your history, including:
Current and past behaviors related to eating and exercise
Previous attempts to lose weight
Any mental health history
Childhood experiences, including any trauma
Current and past alcohol and drug use
Medical problems and medications
Social support
The goal of the interview and questionnaires is not to invade your privacy, but to gather the information needed to foresee any potential complications. For example, if you have a history that includes depression, you may be at higher risk of developing depression after surgery. If your team knows this, it’s easier to have support in place, like psychotherapy or medication to help manage your mood as you adjust to the changes in your lifestyle and body.
How Do I “Pass” a Bariatric Surgery Psych Eval?
It is natural to have anxiety about testing, especially when you have made the decision to pursue bariatric surgery and a psych eval seems like a roadblock in the way of that goal. But psychological assessment is not a pass/fail endeavor. Most people seeking weight loss surgery have areas of risk. Some common examples:
Many efforts to lose weight that have ended with returning to old habits and regaining weight. This does not mean you “fail” the psych evaluation. It means this will be an area for you and your medical team to be aware of and an area in which to offer extra education and support so you have the best chance of successful surgery.
A previous mental health history. Mental health diagnoses do not automatically mean you are not a good candidate for surgery. You and your team will need to plan for the support you need before and after surgery.
Part of the evaluation is a feedback session with your psychologist, who will discuss areas of concern, and offer recommendations. For example, if you’re a smoker, it is a good idea to quit before a major surgery, since nicotine gets in the way of wound healing. A psychologist might refer you to a smoking cessation program to give you the best chance of healing well.
Why might A Psychologist not recommend surgery
Rarely, there are serious concerns that would cause a psychologist to recommend against surgery right now. Some examples include:
Uncontrolled/untreated severe psychiatric symptoms
Suicide attempts or psychiatric hospitalization within the past year
A history of not following medical recommendations
Active substance or alcohol abuse
If you do have a serious mental health issue, it is important to treat that before considering any surgery, and particularly weight loss surgery, which can be a challenging adjustment accompanied by many emotions. If a psychologist recommends that you wait for surgery until another mental health concern is treated, it is because this will give you the best odds of having a successful weight loss surgery.
The most important thing to do during a bariatric surgery psych eval is to be honest. Your psychologist wants you to succeed, and they are well-equipped to provide you with support, education, and information about your areas of risk, to help you prepare and go on to a successful surgery.
Get A Bariatric Surgery Psych Eval in Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Reger offers assessments at several locations throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. If you are preparing for a weight loss surgery follow these steps to get your pre-surgery psychological evaluation:
Reach out to speak with a Los Angeles Psychologist
Schedule your bariatric surgery psych eval
Get the answers you need for a successful weight loss surgery
Other therapy & Assessment Services Offered by dr. reger in Los Angeles, CA
There are several different types of assessments that Dr. Reger provides as a Los Angeles Psychologist. She can provide assessments for workers comp, med-legal situations, dementia, and cognitive decline. Besides evaluations and assessments, she also offers counseling for older adults, public speaking, and consultations.