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Psychological Assessment of the Bariatric Surgery Patient

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Obesity, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery

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Abstract

Psychological assessments are often part of the bariatric surgery process and it is important to clarify the purpose and function of these assessments. The purpose of the psychological assessment has shifted from identifying contraindications for surgery and evolved towards assessing psychological and behavioural readiness. Whilst there are higher rates of psychological morbidity amongst bariatric candidates, no single preoperative psychological predictor of outcome has been identified. It is important to assess for psychological readiness for bariatric surgery as the weight loss outcomes are highly dependent on the individual implementing and maintaining significant behaviour changes. Whilst there is significant variability in the methods and outcomes of these assessments, there is general consensus about the domains that should be covered. The chapter will provide an outline of the key areas that should be included in a preoperative bariatric psychological assessment. The psychologist undertaking the assessment needs specific experience and knowledge of bariatric surgery as well as the preoperative and postoperative issues that may arise. The assessment should lead to individualised recommendations and possible psychological interventions in order to minimise the impact of psychological risk factors on outcomes. The psychological assessment may generate useful clinical information for other members of the multidisciplinary team. The assessment is an opportunity to help individuals make informed decisions about bariatric surgery. It also helps to raise their awareness of the pre-surgery preparatory behavioural changes they are recommended to make to optimise their postoperative outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bariatric Surgery Service, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital & Phoenix Health, Chester, London, UK

    Denise Ratcliffe DClinPsych, MSc, BSc Psychology

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  1. Denise Ratcliffe DClinPsych, MSc, BSc Psychology
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Correspondence to Denise Ratcliffe DClinPsych, MSc, BSc Psychology .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Homerton University Hospital, London, United Kingdom

    Sanjay Agrawal

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Ratcliffe, D. (2016). Psychological Assessment of the Bariatric Surgery Patient. In: Agrawal, S. (eds) Obesity, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04343-2_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-04343-2_12

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-04342-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-04343-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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