Supporting your journey to long-term wellness and surgical success
At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we specialize in conducting pre-bariatric surgery psychological evaluations that meet the requirements of insurance providers, surgeons, and national bariatric surgery guidelines.
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Why a bariatric surgery psychological evaluation matters
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing medical procedure that requires not just physical readiness, but also emotional and psychological preparation. Before undergoing weight loss surgery, most patients have already tried numerous methods to manage their weight. The psychological evaluation is a critical component in ensuring that you are mentally and behaviorally prepared for the demands of surgery and the changes that follow.
What is the purpose of the evaluation?
The evaluation is not a “pass or fail” test—it’s a thoughtful and respectful process designed to:
- Satisfy insurance and surgical requirements
- Identify any psychological or behavioral factors that may affect your surgical outcomes
- Ensure you fully understand the long-term changes needed post-surgery
- Offer guidance and support to increase your chance of long-term success
- Create a safe space to discuss expectations, concerns, and goals
What does the evaluation involve?
Our pre-surgical psychological evaluation is comprehensive but supportive. It typically includes
- Questionnaires & Screening Tools - You’ll complete brief surveys about:
1. Your eating habits and diet history
2. Exercise, alcohol use, and any past or present substance use
3. Current emotional well-being and past mental health history - Clinical Interview (60 minutes) - You will meet with a licensed clinician to discuss:
1. Your motivation for surgery
2. Eating and lifestyle habits, including previous weight loss attempts
3. Emotional readiness for the changes ahead
4. Understanding of the surgery, risks, and post-op expectations
5. Support systems, including household and community support
6. Psychiatric and medical history, including past trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, or other conditions - Psychological Testing - You may complete one or more standardized tests, such as:Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3)Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD)Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI)
What happens after the evaluation?
Most patients are cleared for surgery at the time of their evaluation. For those who may benefit from additional support before surgery, we offer clear, actionable recommendations and referrals. Following your appointment:
- We compile a comprehensive report that integrates your clinical interview, questionnaire responses, and psychological testing results
- Your report will be sent directly to your surgeon within 7 business days
- If any concerns arise, we will review them with you and, if needed, recommend treatment or support services to strengthen your readiness
Common topics addressed in the evaluation
- Your reasons for pursuing surgery
- Realistic expectations about weight loss and life after surgery
- Current eating behaviors and triggers (e.g., emotional eating, binge patterns)
- Commitment to post-operative lifestyle changes
- Exercise goals and planning
- Social support system and family dynamics
- Mental health or substance use history
When surgery may be delayed
Certain conditions may lead to a temporary delay in surgical approval to ensure your safety and long-term success. These include:
- Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
- Recent suicide attempt (within 18 months)
- Active substance abuse
- Bulimia nervosa
- Severe cognitive or intellectual limitations
- Non-compliance with medical or dietary recommendations
- Medical contraindications such as cirrhosis or long-term steroid use
Why choose Ubuntu Psychological Services?
Our goal is to not only complete your required evaluation but to help prepare you for sustainable change and improved quality of life after surgery. At Ubuntu Psychological Services, we take pride in offering:
- Specialized expertise in bariatric and behavioral health psychology
- Evaluations that meet all surgeon and insurance criteria
- Fast turnaround time—your report is typically sent within 7 business days
- Empathy-centered care—we understand the emotional, physical, and social complexities of obesity
- Optional ongoing support—we offer behavior modification therapy and post-surgical counseling
ADHD Testing Accommodations and Workplace Support
Ubuntu Psychological Services works collaboratively with families, schools, and employers to help implement these supports. A formal diagnosis of ADHD can open the door to supportive accommodations at school and work:
Insurance & payment information
Ubuntu Psychological Services is in-network with several major insurance plans. If we are not contracted with your insurer, we may be able to bill as an out-of-network provider, or offer a reasonable self-pay rate.
Our administrative team can help you verify your coverage and guide you through next steps.