Bariatric surgery is not just a physical procedure—it’s also a life-changing commitment. Patients need to adopt new eating habits, activity levels, and coping strategies.
A psychological evaluation helps:
- Identify strengths and resources that will support recovery.
- Screen for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders that may affect progress.
- Assess motivation and readiness for long-term lifestyle change.
- Address emotional eating, food addiction, or stress management concerns.
- Develop coping tools for post-surgery challenges.
The evaluation ensures you’re set up for success—not to deny surgery.
What Does the Bariatric Psychological Evaluation Involve? 
Each clinic’s process may vary, but most evaluations include:
- Clinical Interview
- Your provider will ask about your medical, mental health, and eating history.
- Topics may include weight loss attempts, motivation for surgery, stress management, support systems, and expectations.
- Standardized Questionnaires
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- You may complete forms about your eating behaviors, mood, coping skills, and quality of life.
- Discussion of Post-Surgery Lifestyle Changes
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- Topics include dietary changes, exercise, medication adherence, and emotional coping strategies.
- Feedback and Recommendations
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- At the end, the provider will summarize findings and suggest strategies, resources, or therapy if needed.
Common Concerns Patients Have
Many patients worry about being “denied” surgery after the evaluation. In reality, the goal is not to prevent surgery but to make sure you’re fully supported.
If issues like unmanaged or uncontrolled depression or anxiety, or emotional eating are identified, your provider will often recommend therapy or support groups to strengthen your readiness. Addressing these concerns improves both surgical and long-term health outcomes.
How Psychological Evaluations Improve Surgical Success
Research shows that patients who undergo presurgical psychological evaluations and follow through with mental health support:
- Have higher rates of post-surgery weight loss.
- Experience fewer complications.
- Report greater improvements in quality of life.
- Develop healthier long-term coping strategies.
In short, mental health preparation is just as important as medical preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Psychological Evaluations
Can I fail a bariatric psychological evaluation?
No. The evaluation is not designed to “fail” you. Instead, it identifies strengths and areas where extra support may help you succeed after surgery. If challenges such as binge eating, emotional eating, depression, or anxiety are present, your provider may recommend therapy or resources to better prepare you—not deny you surgery.
How long does the evaluation take?
Most presurgical bariatric psychological evaluations take 90-120 minutes, depending on your history and how long it takes an individual to complete the assessment tools used.
Why does my insurance require a psychological evaluation?
Insurance providers recognize that long-term weight loss success depends on both physical and emotional readiness. The evaluation ensures you have the tools and support needed to maintain lifestyle changes after surgery.
Will the evaluation delay my surgery?
In most cases, the evaluation is a standard part of the presurgical process and will not delay your timeline. If mental health support is recommended, it’s designed to improve your long-term success, not create unnecessary barriers.
Who conducts the evaluation?
At Rosecrans & Associates, evaluations are conducted by Dr. Megan Rosecrans Psy.D. LCP (or other qualified mental health providers who have been personally trained by Dr. Rosecrans) who has over 10 years of experience in bariatric psychology, weight management, and treating disordered eating.
What happens after the evaluation?
You’ll receive feedback and, if needed, recommendations for therapy, support groups, or coping strategies. This information is also shared with your surgical team to help coordinate your care.
Why Choose Rosecrans & Associates?
At Rosecrans & Associates, your care is guided by Dr. Megan Rosecrans Psy.D. LCP, who has been conducting presurgical bariatric psychological evaluations, and who has worked on several bariatric surgical teams for over 10 years. With extensive experience in weight management, pre and post-bariatric surgery support, binge eating, emotional eating, food cravings, head hunger, and disordered eating, Dr. Rosecrans understands the unique challenges patients face before and after surgery. Our blog section on our website also includes several articles about bariatric surgery and different difficulties that can arise after surgery.
Our approach is:
- Supportive and nonjudgmental – helping you feel confident and comfortable.
- Informed by experience – with over a decade of working with bariatric and weight management patients.
- Focused on whole-person health – addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
Whether you are dealing with emotional eating, food addiction, or other disordered eating patterns, Dr. Rosecrans brings the expertise to help you prepare for surgery and build the tools needed for lasting success.
📞 Contact us today at 847-461-8414 to schedule your presurgical bariatric psychological evaluation and take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.