Pre-surgical Psychological Assessment (also called the Psychological Evaluation) -- Most bariatric surgeons and insurance companies require a Psychological Assessment before scheduling surgery.  Although these requirements typically cause apprehension in patients about "passing the eval," this fear is unnecessary.  The three-hour Assessment is not designed to "test" you.  Rather, the protocol is designed to help us identify what strengths you have that will  optimize your post-operative outcome, and what might be going on in your life that may interfere with a good outcome.  Then, we figure out how you can address the problematic areas to best prepare for surgery.  Our goal is that at the end of the session, you are better prepared to benefit from this surgery than when you first came in.  As Dr. Wolfe's patients can tell you, her favorite line about bariatric surgery is, "It is only tool, albeit a power tool.  You still have to do the work."

Monthly Bariatric Surgery Support Group -- A public group is not currently available.  A private group for Scottsdale Bariatric Center patients is held on the 1st Monday of each month.  Contact Scottsdale Bariatric for details.

If you are having, or have had your surgery with another surgeon and would like to participate in a group, contact Dr. Wolfe to find out whether another group is forming.  You can also participate in the self-help Albuquerque New Body Beginnings group that meets locally.

Individual Aftercare -- Every patient who does her or his Assessment with Dr. Wolfe is encouraged to schedule at least one follow-up visit after the operation.  In most cases, one visit to trouble-shoot is all you need.  Sometimes, however, there are unexpected psychological or social results of the surgery-triggered lifestyle change and more sessions are needed.  When this is the case, we work together to make the post-operative adjustment as smooth as possible.

Foudation of Weight Control Workshop -- If you are preparing for bariatric surgery and want to maintain your weight loss after the physical barriers of surgery weaken, you must make fundamental changes in how you think and feel about food and exercise. If you are not part of an active pre-op and aftercare program that teaches you how to manage the pressures that influence weight, you will find it extremely helpful to attend the Foundation of Weight Control Workshop.