Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ — Antalya Obezite CerrahisiOp.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ
Before Surgery

Psychological Evaluation Before Bariatric Surgery

Pre-operative psychological evaluation is recommended by international bariatric guidelines. It is not a gatekeeping exercise — its purpose is to identify support needs and set realistic expectations.

What Is Assessed

Eating patterns (binge, grazing, night eating), mood and anxiety disorders, substance use, body image, motivation, social support, and understanding of the procedure and lifelong follow-up.

Why It Matters

Untreated binge eating disorder, active substance misuse, or unstable severe mental illness can affect outcomes. Identifying these allows treatment to begin before surgery, not afterwards.

It Is Rarely a Hard No

Most patients proceed to surgery. When concerns exist, a structured plan (therapy, medication adjustment, additional dietitian work) is agreed before scheduling.

After Surgery

Continued mental health support is helpful for many patients, particularly during the rapid weight-loss phase and when adapting body image and relationships.

References

  • ASMBS — Recommendations for the Pre-Surgical Psychosocial Evaluation
  • Mechanick JI et al., 2019 Update
Medical notice: The information on this page is for general patient education only and does not replace medical diagnosis, treatment, or a surgical decision. The appropriate method for you can only be determined after a physician's assessment and necessary tests.

Last updated: 28.06.2026 · Medical content: Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ

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