Screening Evaluation
 All
patients that are considering surgical treatment
for obesity will have to undergo a thorough evaluation
prior to surgical therapy. A thorough medical
examination needs to be carried out to rule out
any glandular or psychiatric disorders as the
cause of obesity. All patients require pre-operative
psychological clearance to make sure they understand
the risks of surgery and that long-term follow-up
and compliance with the plans can be anticipated.
Additionally, severe problems with the heart and
lungs can make an individual ineligible to undergo
surgery. Once it has been determined that no medical
complications to proceeding with surgery exist,
a thorough evaluation will be carried out pre-operatively
for nutrition services, as well as physical therapy
and social services, when needed. This evaluation
ensures that the patient has all the necessary
support structures in place at the conclusion
of the surgical procedure and upon discharge.
Pre-operative Psychology
Screening
As part of the pre-operative assessment process,
all patients are asked to undergo a psychological
evaluation. These evaluations are performed by
mental health professionals at the Weight and
Eating Disorders Program at the University of
Pennsylvania, which is both nationally and internationally
recognized for its expertise in the treatment
of obesity. These professionals have extensive
experience in both obesity and eating disorders
and, therefore, are uniquely qualified to perform
the evaluations. The evaluation is used to assess
a patient's psychiatric history and current psychological
functioning to determine if there are any psychological
reasons why surgery is not an appropriate treatment.
In addition, the evaluation includes an assessment
of a patient's weight and dieting history, as
well as current eating behaviors and level of
physical activity. Patients also have the opportunity
to learn more about the behavioral changes necessary
to ensure a good postoperative result, as well
as any psychological changes that can be anticipated
after surgery.
Many patients interested in bariatric surgery
are already working with a mental health professional
and may want to complete the assessment with that
professional. However, because of the unique expertise
of the professionals at the Weight and Eating
Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania,
patients are asked to complete the psychological
evaluation with a member of that program.
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