Presurgical Assessment

The Need for Pre-Surgical Assessments

For some surgical procedures, a psychological evaluation is required to determine eligibility.

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Psychological Assessments for Bariatric Surgery

The decision to undergo plastic or bariatric surgery requires dedication and a serious commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes. As such, all surgeons require potential candidates to complete a psychological evaluation in order to determine eligibility for the procedure. Your surgeon is most interested in your level of understanding regarding the risks and complications of the surgery, and your desire to follow the basic recovery plan to see if surgery is right for you.

Areas Covered in Psychological Assessments for Bariatric Surgery Candidates

• Behavioral Components
  • Previous attempts at weight management
  • Eating and dietary styles
  • Physical activity and inactivity
  • Substance abuse
  • Health related risk-taking behavior
  • Legal history
• Cognitive and Emotional Functioning
  • Cognitive functioning
  • Knowledge of obesity and surgical interventions
  • Coping skills, emotional modulation, and boundaries
  • Past psychotherapy
• Developmental History
  • Any childhood history of weight-related ridicule and its related impact.
  • The role that food may have played, along with any attempts to use it as a source of love, comfort, companionship, control or dissociation, during childhood.
  • The degree and quality of attachments in social relationships outside the home.
  • Parental availability and stability as well as the quality of the bond with the identified patient.
• Current Life Situation
  • Stressors
  • Utilization of Social Support
• Motivation & Expectations
  • Expectations regarding psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle challenges and adjustments post-surgery
  • Possible Body Dysmorphia Disorder, anxiety, or other issues.
  • Unrealistic expectations and how these could affect recovery and weight management both short- and long-term.

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Psychological Assessments for Implantable Device Surgery

Psychological and behavioral factors have long been understood to be important in assessing the suitability of patients for implantable devices. In the management of chronic pain patients, spinal cord stimulators, morphine pumps and other devices have been used to alleviate unremitting pain, to increase functional ability, and to allow patients to discontinue or limit the chronic use of narcotic medication. Insurance companies often require individuals who are candidates for an implantable device undergo a psychological evaluation to determine whether they are suitable to receive and manage the device.

Areas Covered in Psychological Assessments for Implantable Device Surgery Candidates

• Behavioral Components
  • Physical activity and inactivity
  • Substance abuse
  • Health related risk-taking behavior
  • Legal history
• Cognitive and Emotional Functioning
  • Cognitive functioning
  • Expectations of amount of pain relief
  • Coping skills, emotional modulation, and boundaries
  • Possible Body Dysmorphia Disorder, anxiety or other issues
  • Understanding of the proposed procedure
• Developmental History
  • Mental Health History
• Current Life Situation
  • Stressors
  • Utilization of Social Support
• Motivation & Expectations
  • Expectations regarding psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle challenges and adjustments post-surgery
  • Unrealistic expectations and how these could affect recovery and weight management both short- and long-term.

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What to Expect from a Pre-Surgical Psych Assessment?

The testing will include a 1-hour initial intake session with Dr. Tansman to gather relevant background information and history. You may be scheduled to come back for a one- to two-hour session where you will complete various self-report inventories and/or personality tests.

The psychologist will consult with your surgeon and/or primary care physician if necessary in order to ensure a thorough evaluation tailored to your needs. Once the report is completed, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.

This session will provide you with an opportunity to discuss Dr. Tansman's report and ask any questions you may have. You will also be given a copy of the report for your own records, and if you wish to have it faxed directly to your surgeon, Dr. Tansman will be more than happy to assist you with that as well.

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