Bariatric Counseling
If you are considering bariatric surgery, have had bariatric surgery, or are trying to figure out what feels right for you, psychological support and exploration is a vital part for ultimate success and maintenance of success. If we plant a garden but do not tend to it, what chance have we given the garden to grow? What expectations do we have for the garden's growth?
Bariatric surgery is a medical intervention for weight loss. A tool to aid you achieving your wellness goals. However, behind every tool is the builder, the operator, the gardener. Providing oneself with support, which can lead to deeper self-understanding, self-compassion, and growth, is one of the best gifts you can offer yourself. We all deserve wellness and a chance to be the self we wish to be.
Bariatric surgery is a medical intervention for weight loss. A tool to aid you achieving your wellness goals. However, behind every tool is the builder, the operator, the gardener. Providing oneself with support, which can lead to deeper self-understanding, self-compassion, and growth, is one of the best gifts you can offer yourself. We all deserve wellness and a chance to be the self we wish to be.
Bariatric Surgery is not the "easy way out" |
I am guessing if you are considering bariatric surgery, you have heard somewhere that "bariatric surgery is the easy way out." This could not be further from the truth. And a belief that surgery is the easy way out, can be such a detriment to maintained success. The choice to have surgery can be a very difficult one, and I am guessing you might have had the experience of feeling misunderstood or questioned about your choice. For some, bariatric surgery can be a "reset" button. A physical intervention that gives way for psychological intervention. A chance to start anew and rebuild your relationship with food; rebuild your relationship to yourself; rebuild your ways of coping.
This is hard work. Both physically and emotionally. Surgical intervention can only go so far. If you are planning to give yourself a chance for change, don't stop there. |
Changes |
Dreaming and thinking of becoming a new version of ourselves can be a main focus during this process. Maybe even fantasizing about a thinner, healthier, version of ourselves. You might have a sense of exhilaration, relief, hope, and freedom.
We might forget, or not even realize, the adjustments that come with this process. First and foremost, this is a surgery! Which comes with it some discomfort, some pain, some risks, and healing. Throughout these experiences one might even question "why did I do this?" Another consideration is that your body is altered. The process of eating and drinking will be very different and can come with it discomfort and the need for adjustment. Think about how size and health impact many aspects of life: what you wear, where you choose to sit, activities you engage in, and so on. These are not negative changes, however, adjustment is not only needed with negative changes, but positives ones too. |
What Services I Provide |
I provide individual psychotherapy to those thinking about undergoing bariatric surgery, those who have had bariatric surgery, and those considering other non-surgical options to promote wellness. I have experience in working with folks suffering from food addiction, overeating, and body image concerns. My approach to this work is much like my approach to working with anyone. I work to provide a non-judgmental, supportive, and safe environment. I work to help you uncover personal patterns that are causing distress, and aiding you in deeper self-understanding and self-compassion. This is vital to promote the change you wish for.
I provide exposure therapy to those who are anxious about the surgical process and would like help in reducing their anxiety. Exposure therapy involves exposing you to your fears (needles, hospitals, general fear of surgery, or the unknown of the surgical process) in a safe and calming environment. This allows for anxiety reduction and management. I conduct pre-surgical psychological evaluations for those who are planning to have bariatric surgery. This assessment usually includes a few self-report questionnaires to complete before out appointment, 2 sessions to explore readiness, to answer questions, and to share the results of the assessment. |
FAQs about the pre-surgical psychological evaluation
Why is is required to have a psychological assessment?
Not only does insurance require the assessment, but your medical team need it to help you optimize your success. Bariatric surgery is a physical intervention, which comes with it psychological adjustment and many changes. The assessment is vital in your quality of care; it would be unethical not to explore the psychological side of this process. It would be akin to your surgeon not evaluating your physical health.
Is the purpose of the assessment to prevent me from having surgery?
Quite the opposite. The purpose of the assessment is to explore your history, expectations for surgery, strengths, areas where you might need support, and to explore your overall readiness and ability to undergo the surgical process and to manage the adjustments thereafter.
If I am taking medication for psychological concerns or I have been in therapy, will this exclude me from having surgery?
The use of medication and therapy suggests that you are being proactive about your mental health and well being, and you will be encouraged to continue this throughout the process. There is no particular personality pattern that predicts success after surgery; however, there can behaviors that you might need help changing in order to move forward in the surgical process or optimize your success post-surgery. It is common for people to have experienced anxiety and depression, for example, at some point in their lives. Bariatric surgical candidates are no exception.
What does the assessment consist of?
First you will call to make an appointment. Next you will be asked to fill out the initial paperwork necessary for the assessment. (See "paperwork" on the website). We will have 2 appointments which will include exploring the topics discussed above, gathering information, and discussing the conclusion of the assessment.
Out of the office, I will then take all of the information gathered, (including the questionnaires you completed before the appointment), generate a full report, and send it to your surgeon.
Out of the office, I will then take all of the information gathered, (including the questionnaires you completed before the appointment), generate a full report, and send it to your surgeon.
Does insurance cover the assessment and report?
Please note the insurance companies I am in network with. If I am not in network with your insurance company, you will pay for the services out of pocket and I will provide you with a receipt to send to your insurance company for their rate of reimbursement.
Your appointments (2 appointments) will be billed to insurance. The scoring, analysis, interpretation, and formulation of the report will also be billed to your insurance. However, if you have not met your deductible or if your insurance did not cover any aspect of the report/analysis, you will be responsible for the remaining fees.
Your appointments (2 appointments) will be billed to insurance. The scoring, analysis, interpretation, and formulation of the report will also be billed to your insurance. However, if you have not met your deductible or if your insurance did not cover any aspect of the report/analysis, you will be responsible for the remaining fees.