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Please review our frequently asked questions listed below.  If your question has not been addressed, please ask the psychologist.

Why do I have to have a psychological evaluation in order to have surgery? This evaluation is recommended for all patients by the National Institute of Health, most surgeons, and most insurance companies. While 25% of Americans suffer from clinical levels of depression, approximately 90% of appropriate candidates for weight loss surgery report significant depression. We often make suggestions to help you through this process and have greater success post-operatively.

How long will the evaluation take to complete? You will be at our office between two and four hours, so dress comfortable and bring reading glasses if needed. The evaluation includes a structured interview by a psychologist and several pencil and paper tests.

How soon can I be evaluated? We can usually schedule an appointment for you within a couple of days and the results are sent to your surgeon’s office in less than one week’s time after your evaluation.

After the surgery, what support will I receive in adjusting to new daily habits? A typical comprehensive bariatric program will consist of a combination of the following healthcare professionals: a program coordinator, psychologist, dietician, exercise physiologist, and other healthcare professionals. Each expert is dedicated to providing support for bariatric patients both before and after surgery.

What are the support groups like and why should I attend? Support groups give patients an excellent opportunity to talk about personal issues. Most patients learn, for example, that bariatric surgery will not resolve personal relationship issues. Most bariatric surgeons will tell you that ongoing support after surgery helps to achieve the greatest level of success for their patients. Patients help keep each other motivated, celebrate small victories together, and provide perspective on the everyday successes and challenges that patients generally experience. Centennial offers many support group options including both patient led and professional led groups. Patient led groups are focused around a group discussion of a particular topic or theme related to weight loss surgery. A unique feature of the Centennial Experience is our Psychological Support Program led by Psychologists from Athena Consulting. This includes psychologically focused support groups, seminars and lectures conducted by licensed psychologists. Please see our event calendar for a full listing of groups.