BARIATRIC PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS and therapy
Online pre-surgical evaluations and counseling in Stillwater, OK, and across Oklahoma, Texas and Florida
Prepare for Success on Your Weight Loss Journey
Take the next step toward a healthier, happier you with a comprehensive bariatric psychological evaluation. This crucial step in your weight loss surgery preparation ensures you’re mentally and emotionally ready to embrace lasting change.
Understanding the Challenges You’re Facing
Does this sound like you?
You’ve tried everything—diet plans, workout routines, self-help books—but the weight loss never seems to stick. Now, you’re considering bariatric surgery, but you’re feeling:
Are you feeling overwhelmed?
Worries about making lasting life changes.
Emotional eating patterns that feel impossible to break.
Fear of surgery or concerns about post-surgical success.
Pressure from family, friends, or themselves to achieve results quickly.
Stress about juggling work, relationships, and personal health priorities.
These challenges can leave you feeling stuck or unsure of the path forward. You’re not alone in this process—and you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.
Your weight loss journey isn’t just about the physical changes—it’s about building the mental tools for lifelong success. Together, we’ll work to:
Uncover the emotional triggers driving unhealthy habits.
Develop personalized strategies for managing stress and setbacks.
Build resilience and self-compassion to fuel your long-term success.
With a focus on your unique needs, we’ll help you feel prepared, confident, and supported as you take this life-changing step.
How Bariatric Therapy Can Help You Succeed
A Clear Path to Mental Readiness
What You’ll Gain From Bariatric Therapy
This evaluation isn’t just about getting the green light from your surgeon; it’s about investing in yourself. By working with us, you’ll:
Identify and break free from emotional eating cycles.
Imagine coming home after a stressful day and not automatically reaching for snacks to numb the overwhelm. Instead, you feel equipped to handle those emotions in healthier ways, breaking free from the guilt and frustration of emotional eating.
Reframe negative self-talk into positive, motivating inner dialogue.
Instead of hearing that relentless inner critic saying, 'You’ll never succeed,' you start to believe in yourself. You begin to replace those thoughts with affirmations like, 'I am capable of making lasting changes,' and feel the weight of self-doubt lift.
Strengthen your coping strategies to handle post - surgery
When setbacks come—like cravings or unexpected stress—you'll have a toolkit of strategies to stay grounded. Picture yourself calmly navigating these moments with confidence, knowing you have the skills to stay on track.
Reconnect with your goals to stay committed to your health journey.
Think about rediscovering why you started this journey in the first place—whether it’s being able to play with your kids, improve your health, or feel good in your own skin. These goals become your guiding light, keeping you motivated and focused.
Feel confident in your ability to make lasting changes.
Imagine waking up each morning with a sense of pride in how far you’ve come, knowing that you’re in control of your health and future. That confidence radiates into every part of your life, from your relationships to your self-esteem.
I want you to know:
Freedom from Emotional and Mental Weight is possible.
Let’s work together to navigate this journey by:
Leave behind self-doubt and embrace a healthier, happier you.
Develop a balanced relationship with food that feels natural and sustainable.
Break free from the cycle of losing and regaining weight.
Together, we’ll create a roadmap that focuses on you—your needs, your goals, your success.
Your well-being is worth it. Let’s take this step together.
FAQs
Common Questions about Bariatric Psychological Evaluations and Therapy
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It’s required by most surgeons to ensure you’re ready for the significant lifestyle changes that come with surgery. This evaluation also provides tools to increase your long-term success.
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You’ll have a conversation with a licensed therapist to explore your mental health history, eating behaviors, coping skills, and support systems. We may also use standardized tools to gain additional insights.
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The evaluation typically takes 60-90 minutes. The evaluation follow-up session is scheduled a week or more later and is approximately 60 mins.
Bariatric counseling sessions can begin pre or post surgery. Duration of on-going therapy is dependent on your individual needs and desires. For example: choosing between traditional weekly sessions, extended sessions or one, two, or three day Bariatric Intensives.
Whatever is the best fit for you, we’ll guide you through every step.
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Yes! We offer telehealth evaluations and ongoing therapy in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida, making it convenient to access support from anywhere.
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If challenges arise, we’ll create a personalized action plan to address them so you can move forward with confidence.
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Coverage varies. At Schuster Counseling Group, we accept HealthChoice and WebTPa. If you have alternative insurance coverage, we offer superbills to help you access your out of network benefits, upon request.
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After your Bariatric Evaluation Follow up session, you will be able to provide your surgeon with your report or clearance letter. Collaboration with your surgeon will be an ongoing process as needed to ensure you’re ready for this life-changing journey.
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All consultations are FREE!
Bariatric Psychological Evaluation
Initial Session | $250
Follow-up Session | $100
Counseling
Initial Session | $250
On-going traditional weekly sessions (50 mins) | $200
Extended Sessions (60-90 mins) | $200
Bariatric Intensives (one, two, or three day) | Pricing and more details coming soon!
Financial Agreements for lower rates can be requested and determined on an individual basis.
Ready to get take the NEXT Steps??
Here is how to get started!
Schedule your evaluation through our easy online portal.
Meet with a Melinda S. Schuster, M.A., LPC-S, PMH-C who understands your unique journey.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.