The role of the social worker in the management of the bariatric patient

The role of the social worker in the management of bariatric surgery patients is to help ensure successful results through preoperative assessment and postoperative evaluations and support. Currently, a social work evaluation is not mandatory, but a licensed social worker can take the place of a psychologist in performing the psychological assessment required of the patient preoperatively. Importantly, a social worker is uniquely qualified to combine a psychological evaluation with a social evaluation of preoperative bariatric patients. By performing both evaluations concurrently, a social worker can counsel a patient on realistic postoperative expectations and how to maintain a healthy outlook long term.