Should Bariatric Patients Employ a Mental Health Specialist After Surgery?

Mental health plays a crucial role in weight loss and maintenance. It’s no surprise that we tend to eat more and gain weight when we’re stressed or depressed, for instance. The hormonal and chemical imbalances caused by mental health concerns, regardless of severity, can significantly impact our physical well-being and our desire to stay on track.

A key psychological aspect of bariatric surgery involves evaluating whether you have the right mindset for success after the procedure. Believe it or not, after performing thousands of surgeries, we can quickly identify who is setting themselves up for success and who may not be in the ideal headspace, just from the initial consultation.

Is a Pre-Op Psych Eval Enough?

Completing your pre-op psych evaluation is essential to ensure you’re ready for bariatric surgery and all it entails, but you will encounter many ups and downs after surgery, too. It is often these mental challenges that determine long-term success.

Therefore, does it make sense to have a mental health professional—a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed clinician—assist you in maximizing your weight loss?

Ultimately, the answer depends on you. As your bariatric practice, we are responsible for equipping you with the postoperative tools and guidance needed for long-term success. This includes managing common psychological concerns as you progress toward your goals.

Support from a Professional

There are circumstances in which we strongly recommend the involvement of a mental health professional. While it may sound surprising, food addiction is real, and it does not simply disappear after surgery or weight loss. Food addiction is a recognized mental health condition, and when certain foods are restricted, some individuals may replace their compulsions with other addictions. For some, this may result in disordered eating behaviors—either eating too little or exercising excessively. This phenomenon, known as addiction substitution, can also manifest in alcohol dependence or substance abuse.

Support from Family and Friends

Having a mental health support team in place is critically important. While most bariatric patients do not require an entire team of mental health professionals, a strong support system is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a trusted group of friends or close family members like a spouse, parent, or child, their role is essential in helping patients navigate challenges, provide encouragement, and celebrate successes. This support fosters emotional resilience throughout the journey.

Body Image

Decades of excess weight can also create significant concerns surrounding body image. For some, it may be difficult to love their body as they lose weight, see excess skin, or don’t build muscle as expected or intended. For others, they simply cannot see themselves as skinny and may be convinced that they need to lose even more weight once they’ve reached their healthy goals. Known as body dysmorphia, it’s important to have a professional involved to ensure the patient is getting the right help.

Relationship Changes

How patients interact with their spouses, family, and friends will almost undoubtedly change after their bariatric procedure. Along with weight loss, disease resolution, and generally feeling better, often comes taking advantage of the ability and desire to get out and experience new things. Sometimes, this includes activities that those around the patient may not be comfortable with. With some feeling marginalized or left behind, there can be strain on even the strongest of relationships. Working with a professional can help develop coping mechanisms and bring loved ones closer to the patient.

The Bottom Line

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery often experience significant physical and emotional changes, making mental health support an essential part of their recovery journey. Engaging with a mental health specialist post-surgery can help patients:

• Navigate lifestyle adjustments
• Manage emotional eating
• Address underlying psychological concerns that may have contributed to their weight struggles
• Improve relationships
• And more

Additionally, therapy can help patients maintain motivation, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and improve overall well-being. Given the potential for post-surgical depression, anxiety, and body image concerns, working with a mental health professional can be a key factor in ensuring long-term success and emotional stability.