What is a Pre-Surgery Bariatric Psychological Assessment?

A pre-surgical bariatric psychological assessment is more than just answering questions—it's a crucial step in preparing for your bariatric surgery. This evaluation helps your surgeon and insurance provider determine your readiness to manage the challenges that come with the procedure. The assessment includes both an online questionnaire and a brief conversation with a psychologist, who will then provide a report to your surgeon or insurance company.

However, at BPAS, we believe this process offers even more value. Our approach helps you identify not only your readiness for surgery but also your personal strengths—the qualities that will help you succeed in achieving a positive post-surgical outcome. Additionally, we’ll help you understand potential obstacles that may arise and provide insights on how to overcome them. You’ll receive a personalized report that gives you a clearer understanding of yourself as you embark on this life-changing journey.

How Does the Process Work?

Our process is simple and convenient:

  1. Sign Up: Click the sign-up button to enter your contact details and pay the $200 fee.

  2. Complete the Online Assessment: You will receive an email with a link to the online assessment, which includes a series of questions designed to evaluate your readiness for surgery.

  3. Receive Your Report: Within 48 hours of completing the assessment, you’ll receive an email with a personalized report and a link to schedule your 20-minute virtual appointment.

  4. Virtual Meeting: At the scheduled time, click on the secure Doxy video link provided in your email to begin your session. During the meeting, we’ll discuss your results, including your strengths, challenges, and overall readiness.

  5. Final Report: After your session, we’ll send a detailed report to your bariatric surgeon, ensuring they have all the necessary information for your surgery approval.

Our goal is to make this evaluation a helpful and insightful experience that supports your success—before, during, and after surgery.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Pre-Surgical Psychological Evaluations with BPAS

At BPAS, we believe that the key to success in bariatric surgery, and in life, is self-knowledge. Our pre-surgical psychological evaluations are designed not only to meet the requirements of your medical team but also to help you understand yourself better. By focusing on your strengths and potential challenges, we aim to set you up for long-term success.

1. Why do I need a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery?

Most surgeons and insurance companies require a psychological evaluation to ensure you’re prepared for the challenges of bariatric surgery. At BPAS, we go beyond the basic requirements by providing a personalized report that highlights your strengths and potential obstacles, helping you stay on track for a successful outcome.

2. What should I expect during the evaluation?

You’ll start with a set of online questionnaires covering topics like mood, eating behaviors, and your readiness for surgery. Once completed, you’ll have a 20-minute online consultation with Dr. Deiter-Sands to discuss your results and address any questions you may have.

3. How long does the psychological evaluation take?

The questionnaires take around 40 minutes to complete, but you can take breaks if needed. After that, you’ll schedule a 20-minute virtual meeting with Dr. Deiter-Sands to review your assessment.

4. Can I fail the psychological evaluation?

There’s no pass or fail. The evaluation helps identify any psychological issues that may need addressing before surgery. If concerns are found, you may need additional support before proceeding, which ultimately improves your chances for success.

5. Will the results of the evaluation affect my ability to get surgery?

In rare cases, significant psychological concerns may delay surgery. If this happens, your surgeon may recommend addressing those issues first. Doing so will enhance both your surgical experience and your long-term weight loss success.

6. How can I prepare for the psychological evaluation?

There’s no special preparation needed. Just be honest and open during the process. You’ll be asked about your eating habits, emotional relationship with food, and readiness to commit to post-surgical lifestyle changes. Understanding these factors is crucial to your success.

7. Can I participate in the psychological evaluation no matter where I live?

Dr. Deiter-Sands is licensed in Connecticut and holds a PSYPACT E-Passport, allowing her to practice in most states. However, she cannot provide evaluations if you live in Alaska, California, Iowa, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

8. Does insurance cover the psychological evaluation?

Most insurance plans that cover bariatric surgery will also cover part of the psychological evaluation. While BPAS does not bill insurance directly, we provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.

9. Is the online psychological evaluation secure?

Yes, BPAS uses HIPAA-compliant technology to ensure your evaluation is secure. Both the questionnaire and video consultation are conducted on secure platforms, and no installation is needed on your device. Once you receive your personal report, it’s up to you to keep it safe.

10. What happens after the psychological evaluation?

After your evaluation, Dr. Deiter-Sands will send a letter to your surgeon, stating her findings and recommendations. If concerns are identified, she’ll recommend further treatment before surgery. Otherwise, the letter will confirm you are ready to proceed, and you’ll be fully informed of its contents.