Obesity is a national health emergency in the United States. Surgical weight reduction is one of the ways many Americans are choosing to deal with the battle of the bulge. Because of the high demand for bariatric surgery (gastric bypass and lap-band are two of these procedures), new protocols are being established to help assure the safety and appropriateness of these medical procedures.

Many medical tests are required before a patient is given the go-ahead for this surgery. The psychologist has become an integral part of the medical team. Both insurance companies and surgeons require a psychological consultation for each patient they are screening for bariatric surgery. Because eating issues are complicated and the emotional stability of the patient is important, the psychologist helps assess the patient