Bariatric Psychology

Psychology and weight loss

Psychologists can play an important role in your weight loss journey. They can provide pre-operative and post-operative support and help you understand how your emotions can affect your weight. Feeling stressed, flat, or down can interfere with your post-surgery weight loss. Our psychologists are here to help you overcome any difficulties you may face.
The psychologists at Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery are specialised in bariatric psychology. Bariatric psychology is a unique field that supports clients who are overweight or obese. They assist with:

Motivational problems
Health behaviour problems
Eating disorders
Body image
Anxiety and depression
Self-esteem and self-acceptance

Before surgery

Our bariatric psychologists work with you to ensure that you are in a healthy mental state before you have surgery. This ensures that you will be well-equipped to manage the lifestyle and physical changes that come with bariatric surgery.
As part of the preparation for bariatric surgery, most patients meet with a psychologist for a pre-surgical psychological evaluation. During your session, we will probably cover issues such as:
• Your motivation for having surgery and what you hope to achieve.
• Your previous mental health history.
• Your eating behaviours, including unhelpful food behaviours and disordered eating.
• How we will support you after surgery.
• What kind of social supports you have in place.
• If you have any environmental or lifestyle stressors.
• Any worries you may have about the surgery.
• A reminder that surgery is a tool, not a solution.
• Referral to other mental health supports if you need them.

After surgery

We work to make sure that you are well-supported after your surgery. We are here to help you with any issues that may arise. These may include:
• Lifestyle adjustment challenges
• Working with negative emotions
• Developing new coping strategies
• Staying on track for long-term success.

For more information, call us today on (03) 9457 6690