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Introduction to Psychological Consultations for Bariatric Surgery Patients

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The ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery

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Abstract

A preoperative psychological consultation has become the standard of practice among bariatric surgery programs in the United States. During these psychological evaluations, the assessment of areas specific to bariatric surgery is essential to assist with patient preparation for surgery. In this chapter, the most common structured and semi-structured clinical assessment strategies are discussed, as well as specific assessment topics including dieting history, psychopathology, eating behaviors, substance use habits, adherence, knowledge about bariatric surgery, social support, and psychosocial stressors. Key psychometric instruments used with this population, treatment planning/decision-making patterns, and clinician preparation issues also are discussed. The use of empirical literature and sound clinical judgment to inform and justify behavioral treatment planning is critical for the appropriate treatment of bariatric surgery candidates. As this chapter emphasizes, the preoperative psychological consultation serves many purposes including enhancing behavioral preparation for surgery, educating patients about psychosocial aspects of the bariatric surgery experience, and building rapport for future clinical support as needed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Duke Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, 27704, USA

    Katherine L. Applegate PhD & Kelli E. Friedman PhD

Authors
  1. Katherine L. Applegate PhD
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  2. Kelli E. Friedman PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Katherine L. Applegate PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. GI/Nutrition, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA

    Christopher Still

  2. Department of Weight and Eating Disorders, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    David B. Sarwer

  3. Policy Initiatives and Advocacy, American Dietetic Association, Falls Church, Virginia, USA

    Jeanne Blankenship

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Applegate, K.L., Friedman, K.E. (2014). Introduction to Psychological Consultations for Bariatric Surgery Patients. In: Still, C., Sarwer, D., Blankenship, J. (eds) The ASMBS Textbook of Bariatric Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1197-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1197-4_5

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  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-1197-4

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