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Pre-Surgical Assessment Psychological Assessments before Bariatric Surgery and Implantable Device Surgery
The Need for Pre-Surgical Assessments
For some surgical procedures, a psychological evaluation is required to
determine eligibility.
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, many 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.
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.
What to Expect from a Pre-Surgical Psych Assessment?
The testing will involve a session with Dr.
Tansmanto gather relevant background information and
history. You will then 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.
You will also be given a copy of the completed report for your own
records, and if you wish to have it sent directly to your surgeon,
we will be more than happy to assist you with that as well.