Our take on Psychology in Bariatric Surgery...

[Howard]

While a genetic tendency toward morbid obesity definitely plays a role in most patients, there is a significant psychological component as well. In many cases, emotional aspects of a patient's life contribute substantially toward unfortunate eating behaviors that, when overlaid on a genetic or familial tendency, result in loss of ability to control weight and stay in a healthy weight range.

Additionally, we feel strongly that it's important to help a patient prepare for the many life-changes that occur after bariatric surgery. This is critical to maintaining good emotional health during the weight-loss period, as well as helping to set the stage for life-long success in maintaining a healthy weight.

Toward that end, we feel that the contribution of our Bariatric Psychologists to the success of our program is significant. It's important to understand that the role of the Psychologist is NOT to uncover psychological issues that would keep a patient from having bariatric surgery. Rather, their role is to help our patients be successful through the entire process. The Psychological Evaluation component of our program is not something that our patients should fear - the Psychologist is not going to disqualify any given patient from surgery. Their evaluation and counseling will help to ensure a successful weight-loss process.

[Tracy]

I was very unsure in the beginning when I was told I would have to have an evaluation. Once I met Dr Collins and had the opportunity to talk with him I began to see and understand the reasons for the eval. There were many things that he brought to my attention such as "using my weight as a shield" It never occured to me that this was something that I had done in the past and talking with him before the surgery made me more able to deal with it as I lose those pounds. Because of Dr. Collins I understood the feelings of vulnerablity I began to have after surgery and was able to overcome them.

[Sandy Gagnon]

When I go shopping these days (since I lost some weight) I notice that clerks and others treat and repond to me differently. When I went shopping...before the eyes told the story...If they even looked at me it was not my eyes they saw but my shape. Now I can see the difference in the eyes and demeaner of those people. I do get better treatment and I am not saying it was warranted but if you want to make a change it is one great side effect of the loss. Make that your prize! I know you know what I mean! I went shopping for a sofa and I got lots of attention because I looked the part of the 'fancy' people. You know the kind! The 'good shopper' not the one I used to be.We know the package is different but the contents are the same. We also know that you can wrap in brown paper and it is the same gift as the one in the shiny silver paper but everyone will pick the prettier one. And they will believe they got the better gift because of the wrap. Wrap yourself in 'Pretty paper' and it can happen to you too.