Pre-Surgical Psychological Testing for WLS Patients

Via ASMBS:

"When a surgeon assesses patients for bariatric surgery, he/she ascertains their general health,
with the idea of identifying those for whom surgery is too risky and those who have conditions
that need to be treated, stabilized, or managed for surgery to be worth its risk. Behavioral health
specialists can no more “predict” a particular psychological outcome than the physician can
“predict” a surgical or medical complication. We can, however, via the pre-operative behavioral
health assessment, identify psychosocial risk factors and make recommendations to both the
client and surgical group that are aimed at facilitating the best possible outcome for the patient.
Patients are typically faced with initial dietary restrictions, permanent changes in eating and
dietary habits, altered body sensations and experiences, shifting body image and self care
behaviors, new cognitions and feelings, and an emerging and different lifestyle. In addition, they
may realize sometimes unexpected and significant changes in relationships that may result in
marked stress. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective procedure that not only reconfigures and/or
restricts a patient’s stomach, but significantly affects their psyche as well. Generally patients
will need a secure identity, sound psychological resources, resiliency, effective coping strategies,
and willingness to access meaningful support from others.

When problematic pre-surgery psychosocial factors are identified, the clinician is able to alert the
treatment team and the patient, and make appropriate recommendations. Recommendations may
include pharmacological interventions, psycho-education, psychotherapy to address potential
post surgery stumbling blocks, nutritional consultation, close aftercare monitoring, and/or
bariatric surgery support group attendance."

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