Bariatric Therapy

About Bariatric Therapy

Our bariatric psychological evaluations and therapy program provides crucial support for individuals considering or undergoing bariatric surgery. We offer pre-surgical psychological assessments, prepare you mentally for the lifestyle changes ahead, and provide ongoing therapy to help you navigate the emotional aspects of your weight loss journey for long-term success.

Our psychological evaluations are a vital first step in your bariatric surgery journey. Through in-depth interviews and psychological assessments, we work with you to understand your goals, expectations, and mental health needs.

What to Expect:

• Discussions about mental health, disordered eating, and emotional eating.
• Exploration of body image concerns and other potential barriers to success.
• Education on the mental health aspects of bariatric surgery and weight loss.

Our evaluations are designed to identify challenges and create a personalized plan to help you achieve the most successful outcome possible.

"Weight loss is not just about what you lose, but what you gain in confidence, health, and self-love."
— Dr. Connie Stapleton

Individualized Recommendations for Success

Our experienced mental health providers offer guidance tailored to your unique journey. We focus on:

• Behavior modifications necessary for post-surgical success.
• Strategies to build resilience and confidence.
• Long-term solutions for overcoming obstacles and maintaining progress.

Long-Term Mental Health Care: Pre- and Post-Surgery Therapy

Bariatric psychological therapy is more than a pre-surgical requirement; it’s an essential part of maintaining long-term success and mental well-being after surgery. Our therapy services provide continuous support to help you adapt to lifestyle changes, overcome challenges, and thrive in your new life.

Pre-Surgical Therapy Goals

We help patients prepare for bariatric surgery with:

• Realistic expectations for surgical outcomes.
• Identification of psychological challenges and disordered eating behaviors.
• Emotional resilience and coping strategies for lifestyle changes.
• Motivation and adherence to post-surgical plans.

Our goal is to ensure you’re mentally and emotionally ready for the changes ahead.

Post-Surgical Therapy Goals

Our post-surgery therapy focuses on long-term success by addressing:

• Psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, or body image concerns.
• Healthy eating behaviors and preventing relapses into old habits.
• Relationship dynamics and social changes.
• Managing weight regain issues, if they arise.

With continuous support, we help you navigate every stage of your bariatric journey.

Virtual Bariatric Therapy Throughout Michigan

Our secure video therapy sessions are available to bariatric patients throughout Michigan, making quality psychological support accessible no matter where you’re located in the state. This is particularly valuable for:

• Pre-surgical consultations when travel is difficult
• Ongoing support between in-person appointments with your surgical team
• Patients in rural areas with limited access to specialized bariatric psychological services

Our virtual sessions maintain the same quality and confidentiality as in-person visits while providing greater convenience for patients throughout:

• Southeast Michigan: Oakland County, Macomb County, Wayne County
• West Michigan: Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland
• Northern Michigan: Traverse City, Petoskey, Marquette
• Mid-Michigan: Lansing, Flint, Saginaw