Bariatric Surgery & Emotional Eating
Bariatric Pre-Surgical Evaluation
A bariatric pre-surgical psychological evaluation is a standard part of the preparation process for weight-loss surgery. Its purpose is not to determine whether someone “passes” or “fails,” but to help ensure that individuals are emotionally, mentally, and practically prepared for the changes that come with surgery.
The evaluation focuses on understanding current emotional health, coping skills, eating behaviors, motivation for surgery, expectations, and any factors that may affect adjustment after surgery. It also looks at how stress, mood, or past experiences may influence health behaviors and recovery. This information helps identify strengths, potential challenges, and areas where additional support may be helpful before or after surgery.
Results are shared with the surgical team to guide planning and recommendations, and often help patients better understand themselves and what will support long-term success. Many people find the evaluation reassuring and empowering, as it provides clarity, education, and practical guidance to help them make the most of their surgical outcome and long-term health goals.
The evaluation consists of a review of relevant medical records (if provided by patient), approximately 1 to 2 hour interview and brief neuropsychological testing, followed by review of a written report of the results and recommendations that will be provided to the patients and their bariatric surgeon.
Self/private-pay rate for a pre-surgical evaluation is 500$. I do not bill insurance but will be happy to provide a superbill upon request.
These evaluations can be conducted in-person or via tele-health.
Pre/Post Surgery & Weight Loss Medication Counseling
This 6 to12-week counseling program is designed to support individuals before and after bariatric surgery, with the goal of optimizing long-term success and well-being. The program includes six weeks of pre-surgical counseling followed by six weeks of post-surgical support, providing continuity during a period of significant physical, emotional, and lifestyle change.
The pre-surgical phase focuses on understanding the underlying factors that influence eating behaviors, including emotional, behavioral, and physiological contributors. Patients work on identifying patterns such as emotional eating, stress-related eating, or restrictive cycles, while building coping skills, surgical readiness, and realistic expectations for life after surgery. This phase emphasizes preparation, confidence, and developing strategies to navigate change effectively.
The post-surgical phase supports adjustment to the physical and emotional changes that occur after surgery. Counseling focuses on adapting to post-surgical dietary changes, body image shifts, emotional responses, and maintaining healthy routines during recovery. Ongoing support helps patients reinforce new habits, manage challenges, and sustain progress during the critical early months after surgery.
This structured program can also be adapted for individuals using weight-loss medications (such as GLP-1 medications) or for those seeking to improve their relationship with food, develop healthier habits, and build sustainable lifestyle changes. The overall focus is on long-term success, resilience, and creating a healthier, more balanced relationship with food and the body.
Important Program Information & Disclaimer
This counseling program is not designed to assess, diagnose, or treat eating disorders, including but not limited to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or other clinically significant disordered eating conditions. Individuals with a current or past eating disorder diagnosis, or concerns suggestive of an eating disorder, may require specialized treatment and may require a discuss appropriate referral.
This program is intended to support behavioral change, coping skills, surgical readiness, and adjustment to lifestyle changes related to bariatric surgery, weight-loss medications, or improving one’s relationship with food in a non-eating-disorder context.
The program consists of 6 to 12 individual counseling sessions, each 50 minutes in length.
Fees:
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$200 per 50-minute session paid individually
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$1,000 for 6 pre-paid sessions
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$1,500 for 12 pre-paid sessions
Pre-paid packages are non-refundable unless otherwise specified. Additional details regarding scheduling, payment policies, and program fit will be reviewed prior to enrollment.