All patients considering weight loss surgery complete an evaluation with the bariatric psychologist. Psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery can help identify factors that may impact coping, adjustment and associated lifestyle changes. Some of these factors include:
- Readiness
- Motivation
- Behavioral challenges
- Emotional factors
- Contraindications for surgery
Our goal is to help patients become emotionally prepared for the exciting and challenging life transformation of weight loss surgery. We also are available to patients after surgery, as we are focused on helping patients maintain life-long weight and health maintenance goals. Focus of post-operative psychological treatment may include:
- Normalizing eating behavior
- Body image
- Self-esteem
- Emotion regulation
- Interpersonal skills
- Compliance (sticking with the program)
We are also available to help patients who are trying to lose weight through non-surgical means.