Pre-surgical bariatric evaluation
The behavioral-health evaluation your surgeon requires before gastric sleeve, bypass, or duodenal switch. One 60-90 minute telehealth session plus a surgeon-ready written report within 3-5 business days. $450 self-pay.
Florida telehealth statewide · Dr. Sasha R. Sioni, DBH, MPH, LMHC-QS.
Why your surgeon requires this
Bariatric surgery changes your relationship with food permanently. The pre-surgical evaluation looks at whether you have the support, coping skills, and psychiatric stability to handle that change well. In my practice, the large majority of candidates are cleared.
The point is not to block you from surgery. It is to catch anything that might get in the way of a good outcome so your team can plan for it.
Who this is for
- Anyone preparing for gastric sleeve, bypass, or duodenal switch
- Patients whose surgeon or insurance requires a behavioral-health evaluation before surgery
- People who want to understand how eating patterns, stress, and emotions might affect their recovery
How it works
- Questionnaires before the session. Medical history, weight history, eating patterns, and brief screening questionnaires covering mood, anxiety, eating behaviors, and substance-use history. Completed online at your pace. About 30 to 45 minutes.
- Video evaluation. 60 to 90 minutes. I ask about your readiness for surgery, psychiatric history, coping strategies, support system, and what you understand about life after the procedure.
- Report to your surgeon. A clinical summary with a clearance recommendation goes to your surgical team with your signed authorization within 3 to 5 business days. A brief feedback session is available if you want one.
Fee
$450 flat, self-pay only. Includes the evaluation, written report to your surgeon, and a feedback session if desired. HSA / FSA eligible; superbill provided on request.
Some insurers specifically require a psychiatrist or licensed clinical psychologist. Check your plan and your surgical program's requirements before scheduling.
Evaluator background
Dr. Sasha R. Sioni, DBH, MPH, LMHC-QS. Doctor of Behavioral Health (Arizona State University), Master of Public Health (Yale School of Public Health), Certificate in Professional Neuropsychological Assessment (UC Berkeley Extension). Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH24469) and Qualified Supervisor.
ASMBS guidelines specify a "qualified behavioral-health clinician" for pre-surgical bariatric evaluations. The Florida LMHC license authorizes clinical assessment and diagnostic evaluation. The UC Berkeley certificate is the official credential name; services are provided as an LMHC, not as neuropsychological testing.
Practical details
- Format: telehealth, Florida statewide
- Total time: 2 to 4 hours including pre-session questionnaires
- Report delivery: 3 to 5 business days from the session
This is an evaluation, not ongoing therapy. Your report is sent to your surgical team only with your signed authorization. Full informed consent, including limits of confidentiality, is provided before the evaluation begins. If your surgical team recommends follow-up counseling, individual therapy is available separately.
Common questions
Will this clear me for surgery?
In my practice, the large majority of bariatric candidates are cleared. The purpose of the evaluation is not to block surgery; it is to identify anything that might get in the way of a good outcome so your surgical team can plan for it. If the evaluation surfaces a concern, I name it specifically and suggest what would address it (often a focused course of therapy, a psychiatric consult, or coordination with your dietitian) rather than an open-ended hold.
Does my insurance accept your evaluation?
Some insurers and surgical programs specifically require a psychiatrist or a licensed clinical psychologist for this evaluation. Many accept evaluations from a qualified behavioral-health clinician (which the LMHC license authorizes for clinical evaluation per the ASMBS guidelines). Check with your specific insurer and surgical program before scheduling. A superbill is provided on request.
How quickly can my surgeon receive the report?
Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days after the evaluation session. If your surgical date is tight, mention it at intake and we will plan accordingly. The report goes directly to your surgical team with your signed authorization.
What if I am not cleared?
I name what came up specifically and what would address it. Depending on the picture, that may be a brief course of focused therapy, a psychiatric consult, or coordination with your nutrition or medical team. Once the recommended step is in place, the evaluation can be revisited. The point is to support a good surgical outcome, not to gatekeep.
Is the evaluation telehealth or in person?
Telehealth statewide for clients located in Florida at the time of the session. The full evaluation runs 60-90 minutes via secure video, with the pre-session questionnaires completed online beforehand.