- Part of every Dutch bariatric pathway.
- Looks at eating behaviour, motivation and support.
- Common reasons for postponement: untreated problems, dependence.
- A 'not yet' comes with advice.
- The psychologist also supports you after surgery.
What does the psychological screening involve?
The psychologist talks with you about your eating behaviour, such as binge eating or emotional eating, your motivation, what you expect from surgery and the support around you. Sometimes questionnaires are used. The aim is to see whether you are ready for the lifelong changes that follow.
These topics come back after surgery: doubt and low mood rarely have one cause, but result from a mix of physical, dietary, social and psychological factors. That is why a psychologist is part of almost every aftercare programme.
Why the screening sometimes says 'not yet'
Vitalys names psychological problems that have not yet been treated or are still being treated, and current or recent dependence on alcohol or drugs. That is not a final verdict: the team explains what you can do to qualify later, for example first working with a dietitian or treating the problems.
How to prepare as an international patient
Be open and honest; the screening works best when you are. If your Dutch is limited, ask in advance whether the conversation can be held in English or whether an interpreter can join. Bring information about earlier treatment for eating or mental health problems, translated if possible.
Think about your support network in the Netherlands: who can help in the first weeks, and who can you talk to when things are hard? The psychologist will ask about this.
What helps and what does not
Advantages
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Honesty | leads to the right advice |
| Realistic expectations | better adjustment |
| Support network | important after surgery |
| Earlier treatment records | give context |
Points of attention
| Point of attention | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hiding problems | can backfire after surgery |
| Untreated binge eating | often treated first |
| Alcohol or drug dependence | reason for postponement |
| Language barrier | ask for English or an interpreter |
Cost and insurance (2026)
The psychological screening is part of the covered pathway.
| Item | Amount or arrangement |
|---|---|
| Psychological screening | covered, deductible applies |
| Psychologist in aftercare | part of the pathway |
| Separate treatment beforehand | basic package via GP referral |
Psychological screening: key figures
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Part of the pathway | always |
| Common postponement reasons (Vitalys) | 2 |
| Outcome | yes, not yet, or no |
| After a 'not yet' | written advice |
| Aftercare role | psychologist in the team |
What the psychologist looks at
| Topic | Why | Example question |
|---|---|---|
| Eating behaviour | binge or emotional eating | When do you eat without hunger? |
| Motivation | lifelong changes | What do you expect from surgery? |
| Support | first months are hard | Who helps you at home? |
| Substance use | alcohol risk after a bypass | How much do you drink? |
Step by step
- Prepare. Think about expectations and support.
- Conversation. Honest talk with the psychologist.
- Questionnaires. Sometimes part of the screening.
- Advice. Yes, or advice for later.
- After surgery. Psychologist remains available.
Read next
- The treatment pathway — screening in context
- Eligibility criteria — who qualifies
- Regret after surgery — the mental side
- Alcohol after surgery — why it is discussed
After a 'not yet'
A postponement is a chance to prepare better. Follow the advice, for example treatment for binge eating or a period with a dietitian, and ask when you can be reassessed. Many people who first hear 'not yet' later have surgery with a better starting point.
Common misunderstandings about the screening
Many people fear the psychologist is looking for a reason to say no. In practice the conversation is about preparing you as well as possible. Having had depression, anxiety or an eating disorder in the past does not automatically exclude you; what matters is whether problems are currently under control and whether you have support.
Another misunderstanding is that you should present yourself as perfectly motivated. It is better to share your doubts: they are normal, and discussing them now makes the first months after surgery easier.
Support after the screening
If the team advises treatment first, for example for binge eating, ask for a referral and a timeline. Your GP can arrange mental health care within the basic package. When you return for reassessment, bring a short summary of the treatment you followed.
What happens with the information you share
What you tell the psychologist is part of your medical file and is used only by the treating team to advise you. It is covered by medical confidentiality, as with any other healthcare professional in the Netherlands.
You can ask what is recorded and who has access to it. The information is not shared with your employer or insurer without your permission.
Bringing someone along
You may usually bring your partner or a friend to part of the pathway. That helps them understand what the months after surgery involve and how they can support you.
Frequently asked questions about the psychological screening
To make the chance of a good result as large as possible, because surgery requires lifelong changes in eating and behaviour.
You can hear 'not yet', for example with untreated psychological problems or alcohol or drug dependence. You then get advice on how to qualify later.
About eating behaviour, motivation, expectations, support at home and alcohol or drug use.
Often, because many Dutch psychologists speak English. Ask the centre in advance, or ask whether an interpreter can join.
Not automatically, but it is often treated first so that surgery has a better chance of success.
No. Honesty leads to the right advice and support; problems that surface later can be harder to handle.
Yes, as part of the covered pathway; it counts towards your deductible.
Yes, a psychologist is part of almost every aftercare programme, especially in the first year.
Ask for the reasons in writing and discuss them with your GP; a second opinion at another centre is possible.
Think about your expectations and support network, and bring information about earlier treatment.
Call +31 6 38048347 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00) or email info@maagverkleining-info.nl. This page is also available in Dutch.
Sources
- Vitalys (Rijnstate): screening and FAQ
- WeightWorks and Bariatrisch Centrum: regret and aftercare
Search terms leading here: psychological screening weight loss surgery, psych evaluation bariatric surgery Netherlands.
Author: Gijs Bodenstaff. Last reviewed: September 2026.