Bariatric Evaluation & Treatment Program Methodology
PREMISE: The number of individuals undergoing Bariatric surgeries have increased dramatically in recent years. Insurance companies and surgeons have maintained requirements for prospective Bariatric surgical candidates to undergo psychological screenings prior to being approved for the surgery.
Our program includes both evaluation and treatment services for individuals involved with Bariatric surgery. The treatment program was created for individuals who have encountered psychological difficulties prior to or post surgery. Some of these individuals experience marital difficulties, problems with adjusting to a new self image, difficulties adjusting to the sudden absence of comfort foods in their lives, etc. The counseling program is also designed for individuals who did not meet full psychological criteria for the surgery and are required to undergo a counseling program prior to receiving the surgery.
COMPONENTS: Our psychological evaluations are carefully tailored to the needs of individuals who are considering the surgery. Evaluation procedures include a session to discuss general history and background as well as specific information regarding the individual's history of weight related issues. In addition, we require a personality inventory. Currently, we utilize the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) to fulfill this need. The results of the interview and personality inventory are then combined and utilized to determine a recommendation regarding the surgery. The results of the evaluation and recommendations are placed into a narrative report and then forwarded to the surgeon's office.
We accept referrals from physician's offices for the counseling program and welcome individuals to refer themselves. (Please see the Psychotherapy and Counseling Program Methodology for detailed descriptions regarding the treatment process.)
We also provide a monthly support group for individuals who are or have participated in Bariatric surgery. The group is operated by the office manager from Dr. Scholten's office in Grand Rapids, MI. If interested, please contact our office.
SPECIFIC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: The insurance companies require that a licensed doctoral level psychologist or a psychiatrist perform the required evaluations. This program is operated by and supervised by a licensed doctoral level psychologist. This psychologist has been involved with providing services to Bariatric clients for a ten year period. The clinic has long prided itself with its dedication to individuals involved with the Bariatric surgical process.
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