What Is a Bariatric Psych Eval and What Does It Entail?

Thousands of bariatric weight loss surgeries are performed in the United States each year. Most people have a basic understanding of what the surgery does, but before you actually go through it yourself, you’ll work with a medical staff that wants to make sure you know every detail of what to expect.

That includes what the procedure looks like, of course. It also includes what you might expect in the days, weeks, months, and even years following the surgery. However, the medical evaluations for a bariatric surgery typically go beyond what to expect physically. This kind of surgery can be life-changing, and while that’s often a good thing, it’s still an adjustment.

So, many doctors include a bariatric psych eval as part of their standard screening process for weight loss surgery. But what is a bariatric psych eval, and what can you expect from it?

What’s the Purpose of a Bariatric Psych Eval?

This evaluation is done before a bariatric surgery for several reasons. First, it assesses a person’s readiness. Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix when it comes to weight loss. Again, it’s a major, life-changing surgery that requires some lifestyle changes and could potentially create challenges. Making sure a person is absolutely ready for those changes is essential.

An eval can also help to identify any potential issues, including psychological factors that could make the “normal” post-surgery challenges even more difficult. The goal of bariatric surgery is long-term weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. Things like mental health issues or unhealthy eating habits could make that goal more difficult to achieve. So, it’s important for medical professionals to recognize that ahead of time.

If a person is dealing with mental health challenges, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t qualified for the surgery. An evaluation can lead to that individual getting the help they need before and after surgery to ensure the goals are met, and their focus is on their mental and physical well-being.

What Can You Expect?

There are a few stages to a bariatric psych eval. Your doctor will want to know about your mental health history. If there is a history of anxiety, depression, or any other issues, it’s important to be upfront or have your doctor refer to your medical records if you’ve received treatment in the past.

The majority of the evaluation will be a clinical interview. You’ll be asked about your motivation for wanting the surgery, and your doctor will talk to you about the potential risks, challenges, and what to expect in the future. They will want to make sure you understand the importance of realistic expectations about the surgery and results.

Your doctor will also likely want to know more about your eating behaviors and relationship with food. If there are any unhealthy eating patterns or signs of disordered eating, it can help them better understand your motivation, and they might encourage you to get the help you need with those patterns before performing the surgery.

You might also be asked about your support system. It’s important to have people in your corner before and after surgery who can help you adjust to your lifestyle changes.

There might also be certain questionnaires to fill out in a bariatric psych eval. These can help to gauge everything from your eating behaviors and attitudes to your personality traits and emotional state.

Digging Deeper Into a Bariatric Psych Eval

If you still have questions about a bariatric psych eval or are ready to undergo medical weight loss treatment yourself, feel free to reach out for more information or set up an appointment soon. This surgery can change your life for the better, so let’s make sure you’re starting the process on the right foot.