At the Prof Tess office, we provide world-class psychological services to assist our patients during their life-changing transition.
We also take into account that many individuals considering weight-loss surgery have a psychiatric disorder; or are experiencing psychological difficulties. Fifty percent or more of patients referred for bariatric surgery are reported to have a psychiatric disorder, a personality disorder, or doubtful motivation for surgery.
Approximately half of these patients are taking psychotropic medications when they present for evaluation. Common diagnoses include somatisation, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance abuse/dependence, binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, and depression. In the United States, 15% to 30% of patients with psychosocial difficulties are referred for additional treatment, and 0% to 10% are not recommended for surgery. We aim to compassionately assist and treat our patients with mental health conditions to ensure a successful outcome.
Additionally, any conditions or situations that may prevent you from achieving your weight-loss goals are carefully considered and managed where needed.
All patients will meet with our psychologist, David Gonçalves, and selected patients will be referred to Prof Kalai Naidu for specialist care. You will undergo a clinical interview to identify key psychosocial areas that may need further evaluation.
Key areas that we look for include current depressive symptoms, personality disorders, trauma history, substance abuse, or purging.
In our clinical experience, surgery and major weight loss can produce sudden onset of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in some survivors of sexual abuse or trauma. Even after these patients have successfully managed horrific memories for many years, substantial weight loss seems to trigger frequent flashbacks, daily intrusive memories, and nightmares. It is our goal to ensure that our patients have the needed clinical support frameworks to assist them during these times.
Surgery is delayed should you...
- present with a current acute or inadequately treated mental illness. This includes patients with severe depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder,
- present with severe binge eating disorder,
- present significant life stressors,
- present lack of social support to cope with post-surgical transition,
- present a poor understanding or appreciation of potential risks and requirements for surgery.
You will then be referred for treatment after which surgery will be reconsidered.
