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The UM Center for Weight Management & Wellness

Weight Loss Surgery Seminar

Instructions for Your Psychological Review

How to Choose Your Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Clinical Social Worker

A licensed psychologist (Ph.D.), psychiatrist (M.D.), or clinical social worker (LCSW) who has experience in counseling patients with serious weight issues is your optimal choice. We do understand that our patient population is dramatically increasing and it is not easy for our patients to make several trips to Baltimore. Should you choose to schedule an appointment with a professional outside of the University of Maryland Medical System, this document outlines what is required for your psychological review in order to be considered a candidate for bariatric surgery.

Instructions for the Patient

If your psychologist or psychiatrist has any questions about the evaluation, we are available at 410-328- 8940 between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00 PM.

If you are receiving ongoing treatment by a psychologist or psychiatrist that involves medications, it is important that your therapist be advised that most oral medications are typically discontinued at the time of the surgery. We recommend that you consult with your prescribing physician.

What the Review Evaluation Report Should Include

  1. Demographic information, including: name, address, sex, age.
  2. Information pertaining to your psychosocial history, including:
    • Education
    • Marital history
    • Employment history
    • Current social support
    • Home situation and family interactions
    • Physical and sexual abuse
    • Details of tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use
    • History of addictions or substance abuse
    • Any significant untreated or incompletely treated psychiatric illness
    • Details of depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, compliance issues
  3. Does the patient have realistic expectations? Does the patient comprehend the surgery and its potential risks?
  4. Appropriateness for bariatric surgery with regard to the ability to make lifestyle changes and to comply with postoperative instructions (e.g. Diet, exercise, lifelong vitamins, physician follow up, etc.).
  5. Ability to give informed consent.
  6. If additional psychological support is needed following the surgery, indication of the availability to provide this support or assist with an appropriate referral.

Please mail or fax the report to our office. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.


This page was last updated on: July 12, 2007.

If you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services, please call 1-877-866-7348 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 or 410-328-8940 (physicians).