ABSTRACT
In the rapidly expanding field of weight loss surgery, it is extremely rare to find a multidisciplinary approach to bariatric patient care that includes not only the surgeon and a dietitian, but involvement by a mental health professional as well. In fact, mental health professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and counselors have typically had little to no involvement in the management of patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery. In some instances, insurance companies may require a psychological assessment before approving coverage for the surgery or the surgeon may have significant enough concerns about emotional stability to refer a patient to a mental health professional for a presurgical evaluation. Otherwise, psychosocial issues are often not addressed.
