ASSESSMENTS
     Bariatric Psychological Assessments
        Today, many persons are considering and/or engaging in Bariatric Surgery.  In addition to compromising lifestyle and often self-esteem, obesity is a significant factor in many diseases (i.e. Type II Diabetes) and shortens life spans.  Most often surgery is chosen as a tool to provide a permanent solution to these problems.  Few people choose surgery until they have made repetitive attempts to lose weight and not regain it, an effort which statistically fails for most persons with significant weight problems.  
            To obtain surgury, with its significant side effects including the potential of death is a difficult choice to make and the process can be long and frustrating.  Currently most insurance companies are requiring a psychological evaluation and report prior to approving surgery.  Although research has shown that psychological status and evaluations do not measurably affect outcome, the practice is still the industry standard.  
            I do not believe that the assessments should be mandated.  However I am a believer that the asssessments can be invaluable to truely understanding the process, the permanent effect it has on a persons life, lessening denial around the myriad of potential side-effects, and developing concrete plans to address the psychological and behavioral barriers and challenges that are likely to be faced over their lifespan by the surgical candidate.  In addition, those with compulsive eating patterns can develop sound support strategies to prevent their behavior from undoing the success and potentially contributing to dangerous and life-threatening complications.
            These assessments take approximately two hours (remote via live feed online OR in person) plus the time it takes you to comple an extensive questionaire (often done by the intended surgical organization) in advance of the actual assessment.  Janet will then prepare a written report containing all of the elements required by insurance and your physician; if they have a specific form she will use it.  To help protect your privacy, she will be careful not to disclose personal information that is not important to the assessment.  A copy of the report will be sent to your physician within 72 hours and you will also receive a copy for your records.  Nothing will be sent until it has been reviewed by you: these are confidential medical records and you hold the prividedge to determine who sees and/or receives them.