Psychological assessment can provide vital pre-operative information indicating an individual’s potential for success following bariatric surgery. The Center for Personal & Family Growth professionals can help the patient, doctor, and team determine strengths and develop individualized treatment supports to better enable post-operative success.

A comprehensive psychological evaluation by the Center for Personal & Family Growth includes two major components:

• a standard clinical psychological evaluative interview
• an objective psychological assessment or testing.

The clinical interview typically assesses the candidate’s:

• emotional stability
• ability to comprehend the risk of surgery and to give informed consent
• emotional resilience to withstand surgical trauma and to cope with the many stressors and adjustments associated with post-surgical lifestyle changes
• motivation and commitment to comply with long-term aftercare, learn new skills and adhere to a healthy lifestyle program that includes setting limits related to positive self-care.

Psychological testing is completed utilizing the Million Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD) tool. The MBMD presents information about:

• the candidate’s psychosocial assets and liabilities (e.g., coping styles, stress moderators, and treatment prognostics)
• psychiatric indicators
• the candidate’s health practices (e.g., smoking, eating, inactivity, alcohol and drug use)
• how candidates may likely react following surgery
• how staff can work with patients to maximize their success.

In some instances other diagnostic tools may be needed to clarify and/or specify other issues or concerns related to MBMD results.

The cost for the preoperative psychological evaluation is covered by most insurances. Bariatric surgery candidates should check with their individual provider.