Recommendations regarding suitability for bariatric surgery were included in a 1991 consensus statement released by the National Institutes of Health1. With the number of patients seeking surgery increasing exponentially, when considering the life changes and potential risks involved, the NIH urged physicians to “select carefully” after their patients considering bariatric surgery (ie, laparoscopic gastric banding, gastric bypass) had been evaluated by a qualified professional to determine suitability for the surgery. More specifically, because bariatric surgery has required long-term behavior modification and can pose some physical and psychological risks, prospective bariatric patients are usually required to undergo a thorough psychological evaluation to evaluate their suitability before they can be cleared for surgery. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that surgical candidates are emotionally prepared for the surgery itself, not to mention the vast lifestyle changes and emotional reactions about those changes that can follow post-surgery. Additionally, most insurance companies require this evaluation prior to authorizing coverage for weight loss surgery. The evaluation Dr. Stanley conducts aligns with standards set forth by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery. Evaluations are conducted in
- Affordable psychological evaluations for pre-bariatric surgery
- Timely reports to referring surgeon on suitability for surgery
- Patient-specific recommendations as to potential post-operation support needs
- Post-surgery counseling to help clients identify and correct barriers to progress
- Therapy with Dr. Stanley is collaborative, solution-focused, and goal oriented
- Evaluations and therapy occur ina comfortable, understanding, supportive and non-judgmental environment.
- Insurance benefits and pre-authorizations must be resolved prior to scheduling.
Hubbard V. S., Hall W. H. Gastrointestinal surgery for severe obesity. Obes Surg. 1991;1(3):257–265.