Bariatric Evaluations

Bariatric Evaluations2024-09-21T21:08:26+00:00

Bariatric Evaluations

Bariatric surgery (i.e., laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass) offers patients the opportunity to experience significant weight loss that can be maintained. However, unlike traditional diet and exercise programs, bariatric surgery has inherent risks and requires highly restrictive, long-term behavioral changes afterwards. Therefore, patients who are considering bariatric surgery are encouraged to undergo a thorough psychological assessment in order to determine their appropriateness for surgery. The requirement for a psychological evaluation prior to electing bariatric surgery stems from the National Institutes of Health consensus statement (1991) that recommended that patients be “selected carefully after evaluation by a multidisciplinary team with medical, surgical, psychiatric, and nutritional expertise.” As a result, psychological evaluations have become a standard part of the screening of candidates for bariatric surgery.

The psychological assessment involves two parts: a clinical interview and psychological testing.

Patients will first meet with Dr. Ketisch for a clinical interview that focuses on behavior, psychiatric symptoms, and understanding of the surgery. Then, they will complete psychological testing to objectively assess their presentation style, psychological adjustment, and readiness for surgery.
Some patients may be concerned or even anxious about seeing a psychologist before their surgery. This is normal. Patients may be put at ease by knowing the information discussed during the clinical interview is critical not only for assessing their appropriateness for surgery but also for improving outcomes and success during the post-surgery adjustment. Most of the time, individuals find the assessment to be very valuable as it may bring to light issues about their eating behaviors that they had not considered.

Clinical Interview will include questions related to:

  • Your reasons for seeking surgery
  • Your goal weight and anticipated time frame for achieving that goal
  • Your understanding of surgery, including risks and benefits and post-surgical commitments
  • Your expectations after surgery
  • Your weight history
  • Your diet history and eating behaviors
  • Your social support and psychosocial history
  • Your mental health history

The Psychological Testing is comprised of Personality, mood, and cognitive assessments

These measures are useful for determining the patient’s level of psychological adjustment and any potential challenges for the surgical team in the management of the patient.

Psychological Evaluation Report

Once all the information has been collected and the assessments are scored and interpreted, Dr. Ketisch will summarize everything in a brief report for the bariatric doctor. Contained in this report are summaries of the patient’s background and history, current and past psychiatric issues, test results, as well as conclusions and recommendations.
The patient is welcome to meet with Dr. Ketisch to receive feedback about the report.

Why chose Mind Balance Psychology Center, LLC for your Bariatric Psychological evaluation?

I want you to be successful with weight loss after surgery, especially since 50% of patients re-gain weight after Bariatric Surgery due to behavioral factors (see study here). By seeing me, you will gain insight into the specific reasons why you might re-gain weight and how to prevent weight gain complications in your future. Mind Balance Psychology Center, LLC conducts comprehensive evaluations, based on established guidelines  that will set you on the path to overcome obesity.

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5755 North Point Parkway
Suite 249
Alpharetta GA 30022
(678) 682-4950

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