Weight loss surgery is often considered one of the most effective ways to help people lose significant amounts of excess weight and keep it off in the long term. For many, bariatric procedures like gastric bypass can offer a life-changing solution to obesity and related health issues. However, not everyone is automatically a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Before you can move forward with the procedure, one of the most important steps is a preoperative psychological assessment. This psychological evaluation helps determine whether bariatric surgery is the right option for you and ensures that you’re mentally prepared for the journey ahead. It also plays a crucial role in helping insurance companies approve the procedure.
The Importance of Mental Health in Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is not just a physical journey—it’s also an emotional and mental one. Mental health plays a significant role in the success of weight loss surgery. Many people seeking this type of surgery have struggled with emotional eating or other eating disorders, or have a history of coping with stress through food.
That’s why it’s essential to evaluate your mental and emotional health as part of the process. A psychological assessment helps ensure that bariatric surgery patients are mentally prepared for the changes that come with the procedure and the post-surgical lifestyle.
Motivation
Your motivation for undergoing weight loss surgery is one of the first things a mental health professional will assess. This isn’t about whether you want to lose weight, but why? Are you doing this for yourself, or because someone else is pressuring you? Patients who are motivated by a desire to improve their health and quality of life tend to stick to their long-term goals better than those motivated by external pressures.
Adherence
Another factor in the psychological evaluation is how likely you are to adhere to the post-operative guidelines. Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it requires strict adherence to dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes. The assessment helps gauge how committed you are to following these recommendations. Patients who demonstrate a strong ability to adhere to long-term changes are more likely to experience lasting success after surgery.
Coping Mechanisms
How you handle stress, frustration, and setbacks is a vital part of the psychological assessment. Many people who seek weight loss surgery have turned to food as a way of coping with emotions, often leading to emotional eating and weight gain. During the psych evaluation, the mental health professional will assess whether you have developed healthy coping mechanisms, or if you might need help to improve these skills before undergoing surgery.
What Happens During a Psychological Assessment?
The psychological assessment for weight loss surgery involves a comprehensive review of your mental and emotional health. A mental health professional will conduct clinical interviews and review your history to assess various factors that could impact your success as a candidate for bariatric surgery.
Possible Disqualifying Mental Disorders
Certain mental health disorders may disqualify someone from undergoing bariatric surgery. Severe depression, untreated anxiety disorders, and unmanaged bipolar disorder could be potential concerns. However, if these conditions are properly managed, you may still be considered a candidate for bariatric surgery.
- Eating Disorders: A history of eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia, or anorexia can complicate weight loss surgery outcomes. The psychological assessment will look for signs of disordered eating behaviors, both past and present. If a disorder is identified, treatment may be required before proceeding with the surgery.
- Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as impulsivity or a tendency to avoid responsibility, may raise concerns during the psych evaluation. Patients who struggle with maintaining long-term commitments or following medical advice may need to work on these areas before being approved for surgery.
- Past Surgeries: Your surgical history can also play a role in determining your candidacy for bariatric surgery. A history of previous failed weight loss surgeries or other serious medical conditions may require further investigation and clearance before proceeding with the procedure.
- Overall Health: While mental health is the focus of the psychological evaluation, your overall health is also taken into consideration. Substance abuse issues, untreated mental health disorders, or unresolved emotional health concerns may disqualify you until those issues are addressed.
The Benefits of a Psychological Assessment
The psychological assessment might seem intimidating, but it serves an important purpose. It helps ensure you are mentally and emotionally ready to handle the significant lifestyle changes that come with bariatric surgery. Let’s look at the benefits of this critical step.
Improved Outcomes
One of the primary benefits of a preoperative psychological assessment is that it leads to improved outcomes. By identifying potential mental health challenges and addressing them before surgery, you are more likely to have a successful experience with fewer complications. The assessment helps set you up for success, both in the short term and long term.
Fewer Complications
By addressing issues such as emotional eating, eating disorders, and unhealthy coping mechanisms before surgery, bariatric surgery patients are less likely to experience post-surgical complications related to their eating behavior. The psychological assessment plays a key role in minimizing these risks.
Smoother Transition to a Healthier Lifestyle
Going through a psychological evaluation can also help you develop healthier habits and better prepare for the post-operative lifestyle. By understanding your mental health history and addressing any areas of concern, you can transition more smoothly into the healthier lifestyle that weight loss surgery requires.
Handling Social Situations
One aspect often overlooked is how weight loss surgery will affect your social life. Food is often central to social gatherings, and navigating these situations post-surgery can be challenging. The psychological assessment helps you prepare mentally for these scenarios and teaches strategies for handling them confidently.
FAQs About Psychological Assessment for Weight Loss Surgery
Why do I need a psychological evaluation before weight loss surgery?
The psychological evaluation helps ensure you’re mentally prepared for the lifestyle changes that bariatric surgery requires.
What will the mental health professional look for during the assessment?
They will assess your motivation, adherence to guidelines, coping mechanisms, and support network, as well as your mental health history.
Can mental health issues disqualify me from surgery?
Certain conditions like untreated depression or anxiety could delay your surgery until they are properly managed.
What if I have a history of emotional eating or eating disorders?
These issues are common in bariatric surgery patients, but they may require treatment before you can be approved for surgery.
How long does the psychological assessment take?
The assessment usually involves a series of clinical interviews and could take anywhere from one to two hours. Our online assessment takes around 60 seconds to complete and will give us a preliminary view.
Will the results of the evaluation impact my insurance approval?
Yes, insurance companies often require a psychological evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
What happens if I’m not approved for surgery after the assessment?
If you’re not approved, WeightWise offers non-surgical treatments to help you manage your excess weight.
An assessment is the first step in taking control of your body weight and overall health is an empowering step, and weight loss surgery could be the solution you’ve been searching for. If you’re considering bariatric surgery but are unsure about the psychological evaluation, reach out to WeightWise for more information.
Our experienced team can guide you through the process and provide a free online assessment to determine if you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery. You’ve got this—let us help you take the first step toward a healthier, happier life!