Findings and outcomes of psychological evaluations of gastric bypass applicants

Psychosocial Characteristics of Bariatric Surgery Candidates

“…Those who score in the moderate to severe range of depression require further examination and are asked about their sleep, concentration, cognition, vocational and social functioning, as well as the presence of suicidal ideation during preoperative psychological assessment. Many of these patients are already under psychiatric or psychotherapeutic care [ 13 ]. In these cases, permission to contact practitioners is requested to obtain their assessment of the patient's psychiatric status and whether they support the individual's decision to have surgery.…”

Introduction to Psychological Consultations for Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…Thus, potential psychosocial concerns must be considered in the context of the likely medical and functional benefi ts of moving forward with surgery. Pawlow and colleagues [ 12 ] reported that they deferred 15.8 % of their patients based on the results of the psychological consultation and that only 10 % of those delayed patients went on to have bariatric surgery within 27 months of the deferral. Friedman and colleagues [ 11 ] reported greater success with transitioning delayed patients through a behavioral treatment plan to surgery; 56 % of their deferred patients ultimately went on to have surgery.…”

“…Friedman and colleagues [ 11 ] reported greater success with transitioning delayed patients through a behavioral treatment plan to surgery; 56 % of their deferred patients ultimately went on to have surgery. Several factors were noted as strategies to increase the chances of moving patients toward surgery, including (1) a tracking system to manage patients currently completing a behavioral treatment plan, (2) detailed written instructions for patients about the steps they need to take, and (3) case management to assess each patient's progress with the set goals [ 12 ].…”

Psychosocial Evaluation, Preparation, and Follow-Up for Bariatric Surgery Patients

“…However, few data exist regarding absorption and management of the medications after bariatric procedures and related weight loss. [19][20][21] Similar to bariatric patients, research has suggested higher prevalence rates of depression (~ 21-27%) for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which may also put them at risk for poor adherence to diabetes treatment. In fact, a large sample of diabetes patients with ongoing depressive symptoms were found to struggle to adhere to healthy eating and exercise programs, were more likely to be on insulin, had higher A1C measurements, were more likely to be smokers, and were more obese.…”