Pre-Surgical Psychological Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Candidates

The role of this assessment is to identify psychosocial risk factors and make recommendations to both the client and surgical group that are aimed at facilitating the best possible outcome for the client.

Assessment content is based on the best practice guidelines outlined by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (2004). The assessment takes approximately 90 minutes and includes: behavioral, cognitive/emotional, developmental, current life situation, motivation, and expectations.

Recommendations are discussed at the end of the assessment. These may include, pharmacological interventions, psycho-education, psychotherapy to address potential post-surgery stumbling blocks, nutritional consultation, close aftercare monitoring, and/or bariatric support group attendance. A detailed report documenting the content of the psychological assessment and appropriate recommendations is provided to the surgical team and client within two weeks following the assessment.