If you are considering bariatric surgery, it is important to know what to expect during your pre-surgery evaluation. This process can be daunting, but it is essential to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery and that you are mentally prepared for the changes ahead. In this blog post, we will discuss the psychology of bariatric surgery evaluations and provide some tips on how to prepare for yours.
Why do you need a psychological evaluation before surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a major life change that can have a significant impact on your mental health. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you are psychologically prepared for the surgery and the changes it will bring. A psychological evaluation helps to assess your current mental state and identify any potential risks or concerns that may arise after surgery. Additionally, your surgeon needs to know if you have a condition that might make bariatric surgery dangerous, such as an alcohol or drug addiction.
Additionally, bariatric surgery does not guarantee that you will lose weight. Overall success will depend on your willingness and ability to maintain new habits that will help you maintain your new lifestyle. This includes following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
What can you expect during the evaluation?
During your psychological evaluation, you will meet with a psychologist or psychiatrist who will ask you questions about your mental health history, current symptoms, and any previous treatment. You may also be asked to complete some psychological testing. This testing is used to assess your personality, emotional stability, and cognitive functioning. Additionally, your psychologist or psychiatrist will ask you about your dieting history and eating habits. As well as your expectations for post-surgery.
It is important, to be honest with your psychologist or psychiatrist. This information will help them determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and identify any potential risks. If you have any concerns about the evaluation, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon beforehand.
How can you prepare for the evaluation?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your psychological evaluation. First, it is important, to be honest about your mental health history and current symptoms. It is also helpful to have a clear understanding of your goals for surgery and what you expect from the procedure. Additionally, you may want to brush up on your dieting history and familiarize yourself with the new eating habits you will need to adopt after surgery.
The psychological evaluation is an important part of the pre-surgery process. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you can help ensure that the evaluation is a success. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your surgeon.
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