One of the requirements of undergoing bariatric surgery is to have pre-surgical psychological clearance. The ultimate goal of the bariatric psychological evaluation is to ensure your safety by identifying potential barriers and risk factors to your optimal weight loss and health post-surgery. The surgeon referring you for evaluation also wants to ensure that you are informed and emotionally prepared for the surgery and the extensive changes that will occur post-surgery. Many insurance companies require this evaluation prior to authorizing coverage for weight loss surgery.
What Does the Evaluation Involve?
The evaluation consists of three parts:
The first part of the evaluation entails the completion of psychological tests. This typically takes 2 hours for most people to finish. These tests are designed to learn as much about a patient as possible (attitudes, behaviors, emotions) in a relatively brief time.
The second part is an interview that usually lasts 50-60 minutes. You will be asked a range of questions about your medical history, mental health history, substance use history, and dieting and weight management history. In instances of highly complex cases, a second interview may need to be scheduled.
The information from the interview is then combined with the information from the tests and a report is written.
How Much Does the Evaluation Cost?
The cost of the entire evaluation (including all the testing and the interview) is $300.
However, if you are required to return for a 2nd visit having a very complicated history, there will be an additional charge of $175 per hour to complete the evaluation.
All fees must be paid at the time of service by cash, HSA card or major credit card.
What Does the Evaluation Cover?
We are required to answer specific questions about you before recommending you for weight loss surgery. These include:
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- Do you understand the procedure and commitment to lifestyle change you are making when you have weight loss surgery?
- Do you have sufficient knowledge, coping skills and other resources to succeed in changing your lifestyle following surgery?
- Do you have sufficient social support to achieve a healthy recovery and an improved your quality of life following surgery?
- If you have experienced problems with depression, anxiety, addiction or other psychological problems, are your symptoms under sufficient control and do you have the ability to cope with a major life change?
- What, if any, additional support is needed to make your surgery successful?
What are the Tests Like?
The tests are true-false and multiple-choice questions about your eating habits and weight history, knowledge of weight loss surgery, behavioral health habits (exercise, sleep, smoking, and stress management) and substance use, including prescription, legal (alcohol, nicotine) and illegal drugs. The personality test asks questions about depression, anxiety, self-esteem and how you relate to others (your personality).
What’s the Face-to-Face Interview Like?
During the interview, we will take a history that includes information about your health, family, lifestyle and support network. We will discuss your reasons for wanting weight loss surgery and your “readiness” to make major behavior changes, both prior to and following surgery. In addition, you will be screened for past and current mental health problems that could affect your recovery.
What Happens if a Problem is Identified in the Intake?
If there are major concerns, we will discuss them with you and provide you with options for how to deal with them. We will assist you in getting the help you need to prepare you for surgery, either by working with you directly or by making a referral to someone who is an expert in the area of concern.
If We Find a Problem, Will This Keep Me From Getting Surgery?
Usually not, although your surgery may need to be delayed until the problem is under better control. For some patients, behavioral health counseling or psychological treatment may be recommended. If treatment is indicated, we offer psychotherapy in our office or we can assist you in locating a mental health provider if you do not already have one. Prior to surgery, we may ask that you come back for a follow-up visit to be sure you are ready for weight loss surgery.
What’s in the Report My Surgeon Gets?
The report is a summary of findings from the tests and your interview. It addresses your “readiness” for surgery and may or may not include recommendations for counseling or other support to help prepare you for weight loss surgery. If you have questions about the recommendations, you may ask during your appointment.
When Should I Take the Computer Tests?
The sooner you complete the “online” tests, the sooner we will be able to schedule your appointment in our office. Be advised that 2-3 days before your appointment, we will review your test results. If the tests have not been completed, your appointment will be canceled, delaying the entire evaluation process. In addition, you will be charged $225 for a missed appointment.
What if the Evaluation is for a Minor Child?
If the person who is being evaluated for weight loss surgery is under age 18 (i.e., is a minor child), we require a consultation session with the parent or legal guardian to provide supporting background information, as well as to discuss test results and recommendations Like other counseling sessions associated with the bariatric surgery evaluation process, the cost of the “Family Meeting” is $200. It is expected that this fee will be paid at the time services are delivered.
Can I continue to come to Skaneateles Psychiatry for therapy after the Evaluation is Completed?
Yes! In some instances, additional psychotherapy services may be a requirement for a recommendation for surgery. Irrespective of the surgery recommendation, patients are encouraged to ask about Skaneateles Psychiatry’s services. We are committed to helping clients live more purposeful, fulfilling, and rewarding lives. We draw upon evidence-based cognitive and behavioral principles to help clients identify and change counterproductive thoughts and behaviors. We offer individual psychotherapy as well as pre-op and post-op support groups in a comfortable, supportive, and nonjudgmental atmosphere so you can achieve the emotional and physical well-being you are striving for.