Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations
We provide bariatric psychological evaluations in Texas - immediate openings for telehealth evaluations, with evening and Saturday appointments available. Schedule your evaluation today.
What Is a Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluation or Bariatric Psychological Evaluation?
If you are planning to have weight loss surgery - including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band - your bariatric surgeon will most likely require you to have a psychological evaluation before the surgery. This evaluation, sometimes called a bariatric psych eval or a psychological clearance, is a standard part of the surgery process. Most people experience significant life changes after bariatric surgery, and the pre-surgical bariatric evaluation provides an opportunity for you and your surgeon to:
Understand your mental health history and current mental health
Identify factors that might affect your long-term success after surgery
Ensure that you understand the physical and mental changes you might experience after surgery
Enhance your support system and connect you to resources, if needed
The goal of the evaluation is to set you up for long-term success with weight management.
Who We Serve
Plum Blossom Psychological Services provides bariatric psychological evaluations to adults across Texas, fully via telehealth. Whether you're in El Paso, Lubbock, Midland, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, or anywhere else in the state, you can complete your evaluation from home. We work with patients preparing for: gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y), lap band (adjustable gastric band). duodenal switch, and other bariatric procedures We coordinate directly with your surgical team to ensure a smooth, efficient process.
What to Expect: Our 3-Step Process
Step 1 - Initial Clinical Interview. We'll meet via telehealth for a thorough interview. We'll discuss your background, including your medical history, mental health history, your relationship with food and weight, and any history of weight loss. We'll talk about the type of surgery that you plan to receive, and your goals and expectations for surgery. This session typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
Step 2 - Psychological Assessment. You'll complete several validated psychological tests and questionnaires . These are standard tools in bariatric evaluations, which are used to ensure comprehensive results.
Step 3 - Feedback Session & Report. We'll review your results together, discuss any recommendations, and prepare a professional evaluation report for your surgical team. We prioritize a quick turnaround (within 72 hours of your assessment) so you can follow up with your surgeon without delay.
Pre-Surgical Bariatric Evaluations at Plum Blossom Psychological Services
✅ Immediate openings available - no long waitlists
✅ Evening and Saturday appointments - no need to take time off work
✅ 100% telehealth - complete your evaluation from home, anywhere in Texas
✅ Culturally responsive care - you are seen and respected as a whole person
✅ Quick report turnaround - so your surgical timeline stays on track
✅ Experienced evaluator - specialized in psychological assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a psychological evaluation required for bariatric surgery? Most bariatric surgery programs require a pre-surgical psychological evaluation as part of the surgery process. Requirements may vary by program and insurance provider - check with your surgeon's office to see what is needed.
Will I "fail" the evaluation? The evaluation is not a pass/fail test. The purpose of the evaluation is to support your long-term success with weight management.
How long does the process take? The evaluation typically involves two to three sessions. We prioritize a fast turnaround on your written report (within 72 hours of completing the assessment) so your surgical timeline isn't delayed.
Is the evaluation covered by insurance? Coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about coverage benefits. We participate with several insurance plans: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Cigna.
Do I need to come into an office? No. All services are provided via telehealth. You can complete your entire evaluation from the comfort of your home, as long as you are located in Texas.
What if I have current or past mental health concerns? Having a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns does not automatically disqualify you from surgery. The evaluation is designed to understand your full mental health history and explore sources of support that might benefit you.
Do you work with my surgeon directly? Yes. We coordinate with your bariatric surgeon's office to ensure they receive the documentation they need to move your case forward