What to Expect During the Assessment

Most bariatric surgery mental health assessments are completed in 1–2 sessions and include:

• A clinical interview reviewing your medical, psychological, and lifestyle history

• Standardized mental health and behavioral questionnaires

• A conversation around your motivation for surgery, coping strategies, and expectations

• Review of your support system, current challenges, and readiness for change

• A written report or recommendation letter sent directly to your surgical team (typically within 5–7 business days)

Common Issues Explored

• Emotional or binge eating behaviors

• Anxiety, depression, or unmanaged stress

• Past trauma or life transitions

• Body image concerns

• Commitment to post-surgical nutrition and activity changes

• Support network (family, friends, therapists, groups)

This is a supportive and collaborative process. The goal is not to disqualify you but to identify strengths, challenges, and any areas where additional resources may help.

Mental Health Assessment

Mental and emotional well-being is a key factor in achieving lasting results after bariatric surgery. This part of the assessment looks into any history of conditions such as depression, anxiety, or other psychological concerns that might impact recovery. It also explores how you currently manage stress and emotions, and whether ongoing therapy or mental health support might be beneficial. Addressing mental health needs ahead of surgery helps build resilience for the changes and challenges that can arise during the healing process.

Eating Behavior Assessment

Your eating patterns provide valuable insight into your relationship with food. During this portion of the assessment, we explore behaviors such as emotional eating, overeating, bingeing, or strict dieting that could complicate post-surgery progress. The goal is to identify any habits that may create obstacles and develop strategies to support a smooth transition to healthier behaviors—like portion control, meal planning, and mindful eating—critical for success after surgery.

Lifestyle and Support System Review

Everyday habits and the support you have around you play a major role in how well you adjust after surgery. This part of the assessment looks at your routines, stressors, and social environment to see if any changes may be helpful. A strong support system—from loved ones to peer groups—can be essential in staying on track with new habits. If support is limited, we’ll explore ways to build a reliable network and access resources to help you succeed in the long term.

Readiness for Post-Surgical Changes

Preparing for life after bariatric surgery means being ready—mentally and emotionally—to take on new routines. This section of the assessment focuses on your ability to adapt to changes in eating habits, lifestyle, and emotional coping. It also helps determine whether issues like food addiction or emotional eating may need to be addressed. Setting realistic goals and having healthy strategies to deal with challenges ensures you’re equipped to maintain long-term wellness without falling back on old behaviors.

Insurance & Provider Requirements

Some insurance providers or surgeons require specific credentials or formats for psychological assessments. Please:

• Confirm whether your insurance requires a psychologist, counselor, or psychiatrist for approval

• Ask your surgeon what documentation they expect (e.g., specific forms or assessment tools)

• Let me know in advance if there are any unique requirement and I will tailor the report accordingly