Pre-Surgical Bariatric Psychological Evaluation

Supporting Your Readiness for Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is an important medical decision that can lead to significant improvements in health and quality of life. Because surgery also requires substantial behavioral and lifestyle changes, many bariatric programs require a psychological evaluation before surgery.

At Balance Point Counseling, we provide comprehensive Pre-Surgical Bariatric Psychological Evaluations designed to help patients and their surgical teams understand psychological, behavioral, and social factors that may affect surgical preparation and long-term success.

What Does the Evaluation Include?

The evaluation typically explores:

• Understanding of the surgical procedure and expected lifestyle changes

• Motivation and expectations for surgery

• Current and past mental health concerns

• Eating behaviors and relationship with food

• Emotional or stress-related eating

• Substance use

• Coping skills and emotional regulation

• Social and family support

• History of previous weight-loss attempts

• Ability to follow medical recommendations

• Readiness to make and sustain behavioral changes

• Potential psychological factors that may affect postoperative adjustment

Depending on the individual's circumstances, standardized or behavioral questionnaires may also be incorporated into the evaluation.

A Supportive, Nonjudgmental Approach

The purpose of a bariatric psychological evaluation is not to judge or “pass” or “fail” a patient. Instead, it provides an opportunity to identify strengths, potential barriers, and areas where additional support may improve the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome.

If concerns are identified, recommendations may include counseling, behavioral interventions, additional assessment, or coordination with members of the patient's healthcare team.

What to Expect

Your evaluation generally includes a clinical interview and review of relevant psychological, behavioral, and medical factors. The information gathered is used to prepare a written evaluation for the referring bariatric program, consistent with applicable privacy requirements and the program's specific requirements.

Who Can Benefit?

A pre-surgical bariatric evaluation may be appropriate for individuals pursuing:

Gastric bypass • Sleeve gastrectomy • Adjustable gastric banding • Other bariatric procedures

Schedule an Evaluation

If your bariatric surgeon or program has requested a psychological evaluation, Balance Point Counseling can provide a professional, compassionate assessment focused on helping you prepare for the changes associated with bariatric surgery.  Depending on your insurance type, it may or may not be covered.  Out of pocket fee for this assessement is $385.