The bariatric patient population presents a unique and diverse set of psychological issues. Pre- and post-surgical patients often hold unrealistic beliefs about the likely effects of surgery and how their life will be changed by surgery and weight loss, and frequently report long-standing disordered eating patterns, mental health issues, and difficulties beginning or maintaining healthy behavioural change.
Psychological goals for bariatric surgery include assisting patients to develop realistic and helpful beliefs about the effects of surgery and the individual’s role in making lasting changes, and teaching helpful strategies to deal with difficulties related to self-image, relationships, social situations, making long-term behavioural change, and patterns of eating related to emotional regulation. Treatment to manage, reduce, and where possible, avoid the development of mental health conditions, eating disorders, and addictive behaviours may also be necessary.