If you’re considering bariatric surgery in Tennessee or elsewhere, you may be surprised, or even nervous, to learn that a pre-surgery psychological evaluation is required. Rest assured, this isn’t meant to scare or deter you.
In the same way that your surgeon ensures you’re physically healthy enough for surgery, this mental health screening checks that you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the life-changing journey ahead. In fact, most insurance companies and bariatric programs mandate a psychological evaluation before approving the surgery. At Athena Care, we understand that this requirement can bring up concerns and questions. Our Tennessee-based clinicians use a supportive, compassionate, and educational approach to put you at ease and fully prepare you for success.
Why a Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluation Is Required
Bariatric surgery isn’t just another procedure. It’s a profound decision that transforms your lifestyle, eating habits, and even relationships. A psychological evaluation before surgery serves several important purposes to set you up for long-term success. Here are the main reasons why this evaluation is needed before weight-loss surgery:
- Insurance and Surgical Team Requirements: Many insurance policies require a mental health clearance before they’ll cover bariatric surgery, and most surgeons in Tennessee insist on it as part of their pre-surgery checklist.
- Mental Health Readiness: The evaluation checks that you’re emotionally and mentally prepared for major lifestyle changes. It screens for conditions like depression, anxiety, or untreated eating disorders that might need attention before surgery so they don’t hinder your recovery or results.
- Identify Eating Behaviors and Triggers: A psychologist will discuss your relationship with food, eating habits, and any history of disordered eating. Uncovering patterns like emotional eating or binge eating is crucial so you can address them and avoid relapse after surgery. Understanding these behaviors and roadblocks helps create a plan to keep you on track post-surgery.
- Assess Understanding and Commitment: The evaluation ensures you fully grasp what surgery entails, from the procedure itself to the lifelong dietary changes and follow-up care required. You’ll talk about your expectations, motivation, and readiness to stick with new habits, like nutrition and exercise, for the long haul.
- Plan for Post-Surgery Success: The mental health professional devises a support plan tailored to you based on your strengths and challenges. For example, if you lack a strong support network at home, they might recommend support groups or counseling. If you have stress triggers, they’ll discuss coping strategies. The goal is to anticipate any issues and put resources in place before they become problems.
How This Evaluation Benefits You as a Patient
It’s normal to feel a bit anxious about a psychological evaluation. However, this step isn’t about finding something “wrong” with you; it’s about helping you succeed. The evaluation often leaves patients feeling more confident and supported. Here’s how it benefits you:
- Uncovering Emotional Factors: You’ll explore any emotional or behavioral factors behind your weight gain. By bringing issues like stress-eating, past traumas, or mood struggles to light, you and your care team can address them. This self-understanding is empowering; it means you won’t be blindsided by these challenges after surgery. For example, if you discover you tend to eat when anxious, you can work on healthy coping mechanisms now.
- Ensuring Long-Term Success: Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, and maintaining weight loss requires ongoing lifestyle changes. The evaluation helps ensure you’re ready to make those changes and stick with them. If gaps are identified, your provider will help fill them. The evaluation prepares your mind for the endurance needed to keep the weight off for good.
- Connecting You with Support: If any mental health needs are flagged, such as depression that should be better managed, or an untreated binge eating disorder, the psychologist will guide you to resources before surgery. This might mean therapy, a medication adjustment, or simply a follow-up plan. Taking care of these issues now increases your safety and well-being during and after surgery. You’re essentially adding more members to your care team, which can include therapists, dietitians, or support groups specialized in bariatric care.
- Confidence and Peace of Mind: Going into surgery with a clear understanding of what to expect mentally and emotionally can reduce a lot of fear. Patients often say the evaluation helped them feel more confident and mentally prepared on surgery day. You’ll know you’ve been thoroughly evaluated and cleared, which can be reassuring.
- Whole-Person Care: Ultimately, the psychological evaluation is there to ensure your mind is as ready as your body. Bariatric surgery is most effective when we treat the whole person–physical health and mental health. By investing this pre-surgery time in yourself, you’re setting the stage for a healthier, happier you in the long run. It’s not a bureaucratic hurdle; it’s an integral part of your care that prioritizes you and your well-being.
Q&A: Will This Psychological Evaluation Prevent My Surgery?
A common fear is, “What if I fail the psych evaluation? Will it stop me from getting surgery?” The good news is that this evaluation is not a pass-or-fail test. In fact, the psychologist’s purpose is never to “fail” or exclude someone from bariatric surgery. The goal is to identify any areas that might jeopardize your success so that they can be addressed, not to find reasons to deny you.
So, will it prevent your surgery? In the vast majority of cases, no, it won’t. Nearly everyone who goes through the evaluation can proceed with surgery, even if they have some mental health challenges. Many candidates for bariatric surgery have dealt with depression, anxiety, or binge eating, and these alone are rarely reasons to delay or deny surgery. One study found that only a very small percentage (around 4% of patients) are ever deemed poor candidates based on psychological evaluation results. This means 96%+ of people don’t hit a hard stop, and remember, those few who do are asked to get additional support or treatment first, with the aim of undergoing surgery once any identified obstacles have been addressed..
In some rare instances, the evaluator might recommend postponing surgery until certain issues are managed. Examples could include an untreated, serious mental illness, like active psychosis, or a recent substance abuse problem, or suicidal behavior that hasn’t been addressed. These situations are uncommon, but if they apply, it’s truly in your best interest to pause and get help before undergoing major surgery. With treatment and support from providers like Athena Care’s team of mental health professionals, you can stabilize these issues and greatly improve your chances of a safe surgery and successful outcome in the future.
The bottom line: don’t be afraid of the evaluation. It’s there to protect you, not to punish you. Your evaluator will discuss their findings with you and your surgeon, and if any extra steps are needed, they’ll guide you through them. Ultimately, everyone– you, your surgeon, and the insurance company– all share the same goal, which is your long-term health and weight loss success. The psychological evaluation is one more way to make sure that happens.
Tips for Approaching Your Bariatric Psych Evaluation
1. Go in with an Open Mind: Remember that the evaluation is not an interrogation or a test you need to “beat.” It’s a conversation. Approach it as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and prepare for the changes ahead. Try to let go of any defensiveness or embarrassment, the psychologist has likely heard it all and is there to help, not judge.
2. Be Honest and Transparent: It’s crucial to be truthful about your habits, history, and feelings. Don’t tell the psychologist what you think they want to hear; tell them what’s real for you. Being open about challenges– like,“I sometimes binge eat when stressed,” or “I’ve felt depressed in the past”– will not automatically disqualify you. In fact, it shows self-awareness and allows your care team to provide the right support. The more honest you are, the better they can tailor the plan to ensure your success.
3. Educate Yourself: Before the evaluation, take time to understand the basics of your upcoming surgery and the lifestyle changes it requires. Know the type of procedure you’re getting– gastric bypass, sleeve, etc.– and why it’s the right choice for you. Be familiar with the post-op diet stages, the need for regular exercise, and other key expectations. You don’t need to be an expert, but showing that you’ve done your homework demonstrates to the evaluator–and to yourself–that you’re taking this seriously and are prepared for what’s coming.
4. Discuss Your Support System: Think about who will be there to help you after surgery–family, friends, support groups, or professionals. Let the evaluator know if you have a supportive partner, close friend, or family member, or if you plan to attend a bariatric support group. If you don’t have much support, that’s okay; be honest about it so you can work on finding resources. Surgeons and psychologists just want to ensure you won’t be isolated in making big changes. Athena Care or another evaluator can help connect you with support resources in Tennessee or your area, from support groups to follow-up counseling.
5. Ask Questions and Engage: This evaluation is a two-way street. Feel free to ask your own questions, such as, “Do you have any tips for dealing with hunger cravings after surgery?” or “How can I mentally prepare for potential plateaus in weight loss?” Engaging sincerely with the evaluator shows that you’re proactive and invested in your well-being. It also turns the appointment into a coaching session rather than just an assessment. You’ll likely come away with helpful advice and greater peace of mind.
By following these tips, you’ll approach the psych evaluation with the right mindset, seeing it as a helpful step with you, not against you. Remember, Athena Care’s clinicians are on your side throughout this process. We conduct bariatric surgery evaluations every week, so we understand your worries and know how to help you feel comfortable.
Take the Next Step: Schedule Your Evaluation with Athena Care
If you’re preparing for bariatric surgery and need a psychological evaluation in Tennessee, Athena Care is here to support you every step of the way. Our caring, experienced mental health providers offer convenient pre-surgical evaluations at our Tennessee clinics and via telehealth. We can serve patients in 35 states through online appointments. We accept most major insurance plans, making the process as smooth as possible for you.
Don’t let worries hold you back from your weight loss goals. Take the first step toward your new life by scheduling your bariatric surgery psychological evaluation with an Athena Care provider. Our team will help you navigate the evaluation with compassion and expertise, address any fears you have, and ensure you’re fully ready– mind and body– for surgery.
Contact Athena Care today to set up your evaluation and continue your journey to a healthier, happier you! One of our friendly care coordinators will gladly answer your questions and find an appointment time that works for you. We’re excited to help you achieve long-term success in your bariatric surgery journey.
If you or someone you love would benefit from talking to a mental health provider in Tennessee, call or text:
877-641-1155
One of our Care Coordinators will help you get the care you need.
Dr. Maria Walton, Ph.D., LCSW
Psychologist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dr. Walton specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, grief/loss, and women’s issues. Maria utilizes a psychodynamic approach in her work with clients, helping clients to identify and correct maladaptive patterns of relating with the self and others. Adjunctive therapies Maria utilizes include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Maria also provides psychological assessment services, including testing for bariatric surgical candidates, and diagnostic testing for conditions such as ADHD, mood disorders, and dementia.
Meg Stein, CFP
Editor
Meg is a certified mindfulness instructor and works at Alive and Aware Practice in Durham, NC. She has over ten years of experience as a content creator and marketing consultant, working in mental healthcare and social justice.
Sources
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. (n.d.). Integrated health nutritional guidelines. https://asmbs.org/resources/integrated-health-nutritional-guidelines
Athena Care. (n.d.). Bariatric surgery evaluation. https://www.athenacare.health/services/bariatric-surgery-evaluation/
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22157-psychological-evaluation-before-bariatric-surgery
Obesity Action Coalition. (n.d.). Psychological evaluations and bariatric surgery. https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/psychological-evaluations-and-bariatric-surgery/
Psychology Today. (2020, December). Understanding bariatric psychological evaluations. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/202012/understanding-bariatric-psychological-evaluations
Verywell Mind. (n.d.). How to mentally prepare for bariatric surgery. https://www.verywellmind.com/mentally-preparing-for-bariatric-surgery-5197425