When you have been struggling with your weight for a while, you and your doctor might come to the conclusion that bariatric surgery may be a good option for you. However, you might be surprised to learn that a part of the process of preparing for weight loss surgery is a psychological evaluation. Learn some of the facts about bariatric surgery evaluations. Then, you can be better prepared for your weight loss surgery and all that goes into getting the process started. 

A Psychological Evaluation Does Not Mean You Are Crazy

Many people think that the fact that they are required to get a psychological evaluation means that their caregivers think they are "crazy" or otherwise have a psychological disorder. This is not the case at all. 

Getting a psychological evaluation is not about deciding whether or not you are mentally healthy or not. If you are already diagnosed with a mental health disorder, you will not be excluded from getting weight loss surgery based on that fact. The evaluation is not about that. So, if you do have mental health issues, be honest. If you don't have mental health issues, be honest. Just be honest. 

A Psychological Evaluation Is About Motivation

The idea of a psychological evaluation is to ensure that you know and understand what getting weight loss surgery entails. And to determine your levels of motivation in making healthy lifestyle changes to ensure that you get the most out of your weight loss surgery.

If you are not properly motivated or have no intention of changing your habits after surgery, you would not be a good candidate for surgery. A bariatric surgery is not a cure-all that will solve all of your weight issues in and of itself. You have to be on a special diet for several weeks after surgery. Doctors also want you to start exercising after your surgery to help facilitate weight loss and help reduce loose skin issues. 

A Psychological Evaluation Helps Determine the Likelihood of Success

What the psychological evaluation boils down to, in addition to determining your level of motivation, is whether or not you will be likely to succeed in losing weight after surgery. Motivation, understanding of what is required of you, and a willingness to try (even if your motivation is not high yet) are all important to doing well after surgery. 

Do not be nervous or scared about the psychological evaluation portion of your weight loss surgery preparation process. As long as you are honest and you want to be successful in your weight loss endeavors, you will have an excellent experience in your evaluation. So, go ahead and schedule your evaluation as soon as possible. For more information, reach out to services like Carewright Clinical Services.

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