Weight Loss Surgery Assessment & Evaluation

More information about your weight loss journey through surgery

What other names is weight loss surgery called?

Weight loss surgery, with its variations, is also known as:

• Bariatric surgery

• Metabolic surgery

• Gastric surgery

• Obesity surgery

• Stomach reduction surgery

• Metabolic and bariatric surgery

• WLS (Weight Loss Surgery)

What weight loss surgery assessment and evaluation mean from a psychiatric and mental health angle

• From a psychiatric and mental angle, our stomach reduction (weight loss surgery) assessment and evaluation services focus on understanding the psychological readiness and emotional well-being of individuals considering this significant step. We delve into the mental health aspects that may affect or be affected by surgery, ensuring candidates are psychologically prepared for the changes and challenges ahead.

How weight loss surgery assessment and evaluation are connected with mental health practice

• Our assessment and evaluation are deeply integrated with mental health practice, acknowledging that physical and mental health are intrinsically linked, especially in the context of weight loss surgery. This process helps identify any underlying mental health conditions, assesses the individual’s coping mechanisms, and prepares them for the emotional journey of such a transformative procedure.

Mental health conditions that may be impacted by weight loss surgery

• Depression and anxiety: Depression and anxiety can be both a pre-existing condition and a post-surgery adjustment reaction.

• Eating disorders: It is critical to identify any eating disorders and treat them before surgery to ensure healthy post-operative behaviors.

• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): Understanding of one’s body image may shift significantly after surgery. So, it is critical to identify any body image problems and treat them before surgery to ensure healthy post-operative behaviors.

• Addiction transfer: It is essential to recognize and address the potential to shift from food addiction to other substances or behaviors post-surgery.

What happens during weight loss surgery evaluation?

Our approaches include comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, counseling sessions, and support group recommendations. We utilize standardized mental health assessments to gauge emotional stability, resilience, and readiness. Counseling sessions help address any concerns, set realistic expectations, and develop coping strategies for post-surgery adjustments.

Our Aims and Objectives

Candidates for gastric bypass or other types of weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric or metabolic surgery, need to be carefully evaluated before the procedure.

Our goals are to ensure that;

1. Emotional readiness: We would assess whether you are mentally and emotionally prepared for surgery.

2. Underlying issues: We would try to identify and address any underlying or potential mental health issues.

3. Moderate expectations: We would work with you to set realistic expectations for surgery outcomes.

4. Optimizing your treatment: Our goal is to find if the surgery would best suit your individual needs, maximizing benefits while minimizing side effects.

5. Empowering you: We aim to empower you with knowledge about your options, making you an active participant in your care plan.

6. Supporting your journey: Above all, we’re here to help you every step of the way, providing a foundation of care that supports your overall well-being.

Our SMART Goals Defined

• Our goals are Specific (tailored to your needs), Measurable (with clear benchmarks for progress), Achievable (realistic and manageable), Relevant (aligned with your personal mental health goals), and Time-bound (with scheduled reviews to assess progress).
  

You didn’t come this far to stop.

Believe you can, and you're halfway there.

Theodore Roosevelt

What are the psychological and mental implications of weight loss surgery without proper assessment and evaluation?

Without thorough psychiatric assessment and evaluation, individuals may face;

• Increased risks of post-surgery complications, such as exacerbated mental health conditions

• Difficulty adjusting to lifestyle changes

• Dissatisfaction with results due to unrealistic expectations, and

• Potential development of new mental health challenges.

What are the benefits of a weight loss surgery assessment and evaluation for prospective patients and their loved ones?

The benefits include:

• Ensuring psychological readiness

• Enhancing the success rate of surgery through mental and emotional support

• Preventing post-operative mental health complications, and

• Fostering a supportive environment for the patient through education and awareness for their loved ones.

This holistic approach ensures that the journey to weight loss is not just a physical transformation but also a positive mental health experience.

Your next step toward wellness

Imagine a place where your mental health journey is met with understanding, expertise, and a personalized touch. That place is here at the Joy of Life Clinic.

Our clinic is not just about managing symptoms; it's about empowering you to reclaim your life with confidence and resilience. With our comprehensive medication management and case management services, we’re dedicated to providing you with the care, support, and guidance you need to thrive.

Join us, and let’s embark on this journey to wellness together. Your path to a brighter, healthier future starts with a simple step.

Reach out to us today, and let’s make it happen.

• Request an Appointment

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Psychiatric evaluation and management

• Case management (psychiatric/mental health)

• Court services (psychiatric/mental health reports)

• Medication management

• Psychiatric and mental health evaluation

• Other psychiatric and mental health reports.
  

Substance Abuse

• Alcohol addiction

• Coffee or stimulant addiction

• Drugs addiction (Cocaine, Marijuana, Heroin, Meth, etc.)

• Food or soda addiction

• Smoking, tobacco, or vaping addiction

• Opioids, painkillers, or prescription medicines addiction

Unhealthy Habits & Addiction

• Gambling or gaming addiction

• Internet and computer addiction

• Sexual addiction or disorder

• Shopping and spending addiction

• Work addiction (Workaholism)

• Other addiction issues.

• Abuse/Trauma

• Adjustment issues

• Anger issues

• Antisocial/deviant behavior

• Anxiety/stress

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Autism

• Body image problems

• Bipolar disorder

• Compulsive stealing (Kleptomania)

• Crisis intervention

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Eating disorder - Anorexia Nervosa,

• Eating disorder - Binge Eating,

• Eating disorder - Bulimia Nervosa,

• Eating disorder - Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

• Family conflict

• Imposter syndrome (Self-imposter disorder)

• Intellectual development/learning disability

• Lying disorders (Compulsive lying and Pathological lying)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)

• Paranoia

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Psychosis

• Self-esteem issues

• Schizophrenia

• Sleep problems (sleep disorder, insomnia)

• Trauma

• Women’s Issues

• Other psychiatric and mental health issues
  

We also provide these administrative services

Here're addiction problems we treat

• Nutrition/vitamin treatment

• Stomach reduction assessment/evaluation

• Weight management

• General health education (individual and group lessons)

• Other nutrition and weight management services.
  

And we provide nutrition and weight management services to make your well-being even more complete

Don't let life's challenges define you—or your loved one—we are here to help you overcome and thrive!

Here're psychosocial and psychosomatic issues we treat

We operate under the laws and regulations of the State of Maryland as a Maryland outpatient clinic.

We’re at your service.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Solutions, not judgement

We are committed to you and your loved ones; we admire your courage in seeking help and we respond with unwavering support and personalized treatment.

Our compassionate care is aimed at healing and growth, breaking down mental health barriers, and celebrating positive change. Together, we'll journey towards wellness, guided by empathy and expertise.