Why is Bariatric Psychological Evaluation Necessary?
There are a variety of reasons why bariatric psychological evaluations are essential. One of the most important is that bariatric surgery is a life-changing event. For some people, it can be a very positive change. However, it can be pretty difficult for others to adjust to the changes after surgery. This is especially true if patients are not educated in the procedure and do not take the time to prepare themselves emotionally and mentally for the changes ahead. This article will discuss the importance of bariatric psychological evaluations and what they entail.
Why is Bariatric Psychological Evaluation Necessary?
The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is significant and not something to be taken lightly. The psychological evaluation is just one part of this process. It is important to remember that surgery is not a magic bullet. While it can be life-changing, there are a lot of changes that occur before and after surgery, both physically and emotionally. These changes can be overwhelming for people and often require individuals to have a safe identity, psychological resources, resiliency, effective coping strategies, and access to support.
Bariatric Evaluation: The Objective
You might be wondering, "why do I have to see a psychologist?" There are two objectives.
One objective of a bariatric evaluation is to help get a clear understanding of you and the decision to undergo surgery. Patients are often placed on dietary restrictions that can create new thoughts and feelings. In addition, patients may experience unexpected changes in their relationships with others, work-life, and daily routine. All of these changes can be very stressful. The psychological evaluation is simply an opportunity for you to talk about any concerns or fears you might have before surgery.
The second objective of the bariatric evaluation is to help identify any potential risks to be addressed before surgery rather than after. Allowing the healthcare team to get to know you on a deeper level and understand the motivations for wanting surgery will allow a more comprehensive plan to be put in place. This will help ensure that the patient is as successful as possible after surgery.
While bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity, there is still a chance of failure. Some individuals will not lose the expected amount of weight for surgery, and others will gain it within six months post-surgery. Studies have shown that a rigid psychological evaluation is necessary to identify any psychological disorders that could contribute to an unsuccessful outcome.
What Happens During a Bariatric Psychological Evaluation?
While the concern of having to undergo a psychological evaluation can feel scary, understanding what the evaluation and testing consist of might reduce that feeling. Here is how the evaluation process goes:
The first part of the evaluation process is typically a clinical interview. This is where the mental health professional will ask questions about your behavior, eating habits, support system, developmental history, motivation for surgery, and all other cognitive factors that could contribute to the success or failure of the surgery.
The second part of the evaluation process will consist of psychological testing. This is often where the most significant concern arises for patients. The purpose of the testing is not to diagnose a mental disorder or rule out surgery. Psychological testing is used to identify any potential risks to be addressed before surgery.
The third and final part of the evaluation process is a review of your medical records. This includes both your mental health history and your physical health history. This is to get a better understanding of any factors that could contribute to the success or failure of your surgery.
It is important to keep in mind that just because you have to undergo a psychological evaluation, it does not mean that you are being screened for surgery. For example, if something negative is revealed as a result of the test, it will not prevent you from undergoing surgery. It is just one part of the overall bariatric assessment process to help ensure that you are as prepared for both surgery and your new life after surgery.
What to Expect After the Evaluation
After the evaluation, the mental health professional will provide a report to the bariatric surgeon that includes their assessment of whether or not surgery is an appropriate option for the patient. If there are any concerns, they will be addressed in this report, and a plan will be put in place to help mitigate these risks. In most cases, patients will be approved for surgery and will not need to see a mental health professional again. However, in some cases, patients may be referred to a mental health professional for additional help in preparing for surgery or use after surgery.
Bariatric psychological evaluations are an important part of the bariatric surgery process. They are not something to be feared but rather a way to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your surgery and your new life after surgery.
If you have any questions about the bariatric psychological evaluation process, please feel free to reach out to us. We are more than happy to help!