ABSTRACT
Behavior and lifestyle changes are necessary for weight loss and maintenance. This chapter discusses the importance of behavioral evaluation that includes interviewing and other methods of assessing a patient’s desire to change. During the initial evaluation, the patient history form should include questions related to lifestyle and questions that illuminate whether a patient has insight into causes of his or her excess weight and self-defeating actions. Information gathered on the history form is valuable in assessing the patient’s baseline regarding the necessary behavioral changes to be addressed. The transtheoretical model of change includes five stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. The standard modes of treatments include the following: motivational interviewing, interpersonal therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, maintenance-tailored therapy, and acceptance-based therapy. Well-trained medical bariatricians are in the best position to know, listen to, and advise obese patients on how to apply the most research findings on behavioral change strategies.
