The Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery

Psychological Evaluation

All our patients undergo a psychiatric evaluation to assess their psychological status prior to the Gastric Bypass. It is a requirement for a patient to see a psychologist or psychiatrist in preparation for the surgery. The psychiatric evaluation in preparation for surgery is recommended.

·          An evaluation by your usual medical doctor will not fulfill these criteria.

·          Either a psychologist or a psychiatrist can perform it. A social worker or other therapist is not an acceptable choice.

·          The patient should have a routine psychiatric evaluation to rule out significant eating disorders or other major psychiatric illnesses that may affect the results of surgery.

·          Patients with inadequately treated depression need to be appropriately diagnosed and treated prior to surgery. Alcohol and drug abuse are also relative contraindications to surgery. The patient must not have unrealistic expectations of the outcome of surgery.

Guideline for Psychiatric Evaluation

Purpose of Evaluation

The psychiatric evaluation includes a face-to-face interview with the patient. A general evaluation usually takes no more than 1 hour to complete. Several meetings with the patient should not be necessary.

The psychiatric consultation is requested for the purpose of assisting in the diagnosis, treatment, or management of a patient’s possible mental disorder or behavioral problem.

The aim of the psychiatric evaluation is to provide answers to the questions including:

·          Patient’s competency in deciding to proceed with gastric bypass. Is the patient competent to decide to proceed with surgery?

·          History of Substance Use. Does the patient have a past history of drug or alcohol use, abuse or dependence? If so what role might this play in the future of this patient given the expected stress that occurs in the postoperative period?

·          The presence of any Psychiatric diagnosis relevant to the gastric bypass; in particular is the patient psychotic? If any form of psychiatric illness is identified then prognosis and treatment advice should be included.

·          Willingness of the psychologist/psychiatrist to follow and treat the patient in the postoperative period. In addition the letter should include a commitment to be available for consultation in the event that depression occurs in the postoperative period.

·          Patient’s ability to handle the stress of the period that follows surgery

·          The evaluation should respect the patient’s relationship with the primary clinician and should encourage positive resolution of conflicts between the patient and the primary clinician if these emerge as an issue.

·          Issues to be addressed in the Psychiatric Evaluation: History of the Present Illness, Past Psychiatric History, General Medical History, History of Substance Use, Social History, Occupational History, Family History, Review of Systems, Mental Status Examination, Functional Assessment, Information Derived from the Interview Process.

This notice describes how information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can gain access to this information.  Please review carefully

Contact Information: -Telephones: *** CLOS West: 702-714-0011, *** CLOS Florida: Flo Ballengee 863-899-3463, Dr. Peraglie 407-922-3424

Email Us Anytime for Help: Email: Everyone@clos.net or CLOSLasVegas@clos.net *** CLOS West DrR@clos.net, or CLOSLasVegas@clos.net *** CLOS Florida: Flo Ballengee Flo@clos.net, Dr. Peraglie DrP@clos.net

Addresses: Address: *** CLOS West: Dr. Rutledge / CELOS, 98 E Lake Mead Parkway, Suite 302, Henderson NV 89015, Telephone: 702-714-0011 Fax: 702-456-1173, Email: DrR@clos.net, Everyone@clos.net or CLOSLasVegas@clos.net *** CLOS Florida: 40124 Highway 27, Suite 203, Davenport, FL 33837, Flo Ballengee 863-899-3463, Flo@clos.net, Dr. Peraglie 407-922-3424 DrP@clos.net

Warning: Gastric Bypass Surgery is a MAJOR surgical procedure. It can be associated with significant risks and complications, up to and including death. Weight loss surgery is a rapidly developing area of medicine. Bariatric surgery is filled with controversy. It is very important to take a careful and deliberate approach to considering surgery for the treatment of obesity.  

Disclaimer Notice:-Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only.
-It is imperative that you consult your own physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
-Contact with this web site or Dr. Rutledge over the web site does not constitute a doctor patient relationship and for good quality medical care you must obtain advice and consultation form your own local physician.
-This site is intended as a resource for references on the treatment of obesity for health care professionals and educated consumers.
-The authors and editors have used sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is complete and generally in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication.
-Medical knowledge changes rapidly. In view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical science, neither the authors nor the editors nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this work warrants that the information contained herein is in every respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information.
This information is not medical advice or diagnosis, nor is it to be construed as medical advice, medical information, medical diagnosis, or medical prescription for curing, removing, or preventing any disease, or related symptoms. You must seek the direct assistance, advice and evaluation of your own personal physician before acting on any information found herein. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
-Readers are Strongly encouraged to discuss and confirm the information contained herein with your own physician.
Copyright © 1998 The Center for Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery