A bariatric surgery psychological evaluation is an important part of preparing for weight-loss surgery. This evaluation is not a test that you “pass” or “fail” — rather, it’s designed to help ensure you’re emotionally and psychologically ready for the lifestyle changes that accompany surgery.

At Stillwaters Assessment & Neuropsychological Services (SWANS), our approach is supportive, respectful, and educational. We understand that pursuing bariatric surgery is a deeply personal decision, and our goal is to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

During the evaluation, we explore areas such as:

• Your understanding of the surgery and expectations for outcomes
• Eating behaviors, coping strategies, and relationship with food
• Emotional and mental health history
• Current stressors, supports, and readiness for change

We also discuss your strengths, motivation, and support systems to help identify what will best contribute to your long-term success. At SWANS, we view this process as an opportunity for reflection, growth, and preparation for the positive changes ahead.

How Does Bariatric Surgery Clearance Testing Work?

Bariatric surgery evaluations generally involve:

• Initial Consultation: A clinical interview gathers detailed background information and identifies assessment goals.
• Test Administration: Standardized tests are administered, which may include questionnaires, cognitive tasks, and behavioral checklists.
• Scoring & Interpretation: Test results are scored and interpreted by a licensed psychologist.
• Feedback Session: Results are reviewed in a collaborative feedback session, where findings and recommendations are explained clearly and compassionately. The ultimate goal is to understand the whole person, not just test scores, and to empower individuals and families with knowledge and next steps for improvement and support.
• Written Report: A detailed report summarizes findings and provides recommendations. Our reports are completed promptly and meet the documentation requirements of most surgical programs. Most importantly, we aim to provide meaningful feedback that helps you move forward with confidence — not judgment.

At SWANS, our focus is not only on identifying challenges but also on highlighting strengths and supporting growth — helping each person move toward greater clarity, balance, and emotional health.

For detailed information about evaluation fees, deposits, and what your assessment includes, please visit our Pricing page.