Bariatric Surgery

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is a medical intervention used for the treatment of obesity. The Canadian Clinical practice Guidelines recommend that adults with clinically severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 or ≥ 35 kg/m2 with severe co-morbid disease) may be considered for bariatric surgery when counselling and therapy is not enough to reach healthy weight goals.

There are different methods used in bariatric surgery, but the end goal is to make the stomach smaller so that it cannot hold as much food. It has been shown in clinical studies that a smaller stomach helps weight loss.

Deciding on Surgery

Once you have received the approval from medical professionals to undergo bariatric surgery, the decision making is not over. The decision to have bariatric surgery is one that requires a great deal of thought. There are many people to talk to when thinking about bariatric surgery as an option. Your doctor, your loved ones, and first and foremost yourself. A counsellor can also help in the decision process.

Victoria Counselling and Therapy also offers pre-surgical psychological assessments.

How Does Bariatric Counselling Work?

Bariatric counselling can begin at any point during the process of bariatric surgery. Many providers request that counselling and therapy start before considering bariatric surgery. Counselling is started to try and change behaviours that result in weight gain.

If you have already been approved to undergo bariatric surgery, then counselling will help you prepare for the life changes that come once the surgery is completed. After surgery there are many physical and psychological changes that occur. Relationships may also change. It is helpful to have a counsellor to work with while going through all of these changes.