Social and Psychological Effects
Obesity has significant social, psychological and even economic effects. Almost everything in life is more difficult for the obese – shopping for clothing, traveling on public transportation, going to the theater, job advancement, obtaining medical insurance, and relationships in general. However unfair and in some cases illegal: societal and economic prejudices are very real and can be devastating.
Situational depression, due in part to the presence of obesity in their lives, is common in patients who are morbidly obese. They can have feelings of emptiness, inability to take pleasure in normal activities, and insomnia. Also, constant fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or unnecessary guilt, and inability to concentrate add to the difficulty of coping with physical problems.
All patients interested in pursing surgery through our program are referred for psychological evaluation. Some are required by their insurance companies to be evaluated as part of the predetermination criteria. Others are evaluated later on in the weight loss surgery process. We encourage patients and their families to become actively involved in the psychological component of the weight loss surgery program. The majority of the patients initially have some trepidation about working with a psychological but report later they found it tremendously helpful in preparing for surgery.
Here at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City we are fortunate to have as a member of our team a clinical psychologist who specializes in evaluation and treatment of patients undergoing weight loss surgery. His role is not only to evaluate if a patient is an appropriate candidate for surgery, but also to assess the patient for any mental health issues, family and social needs, presence or lack of support systems, etc. His is a supportive role, as well as educative. The psychologist works closely with the patient and family and is available beyond the evaluation process for therapeutic sessions as well.
The Bariatric Center of Kansas City’s goal is to help place each patient in the best position both mentally and physically to adjust successfully to the changes that weight loss surgery will bring to their lives. |
