The MBMD™ Test in Practice
Moving from Failure to Success: The MBMD Test Benefits Bariatric Surgeons and Their Patients

Psychologists Susan Franks, PhD, and Lisa Steres, PhD, each administer the MBMD test as part of their presurgical psychological evaluations of bariatric patients. Test results present information about patients’ psychosocial assets and liabilities, such as coping styles, stress moderators, and treatment prognostics. In addition, the assessment provides psychiatric indicators and data on patients’ health practices such as smoking, eating, inactivity, alcohol and drug use. Franks and Steres find the MBMD test useful for several purposes: to help determine if a patient is suitable for bariatric surgery; to learn how a patient is likely to react following surgery; and to recommend ways the staff can work with patients to maximize their success.

The value of understanding the patient

Franks has found the MBMD test to be very helpful for post-op patient management—particularly the scales for coping styles, stress moderators and illness apprehension. “The coping styles data is incredibly informative in helping predict how patients will interact with us and how they will meet the challenges of lifestyle changes following the surgery,” says Franks.

Success! Applying patient knowledge to patient aftercare

Franks describes the case of a patient whose MBMD test scores indicated she had a pessimistic attitude and that she could easily become defensive, angry and blaming. Following surgery, the patient reacted exactly as her MBMD test profile had indicated. Armed with the predictive information provided by the MBMD test, Franks had been able to suggest ways to treat the patient that could increase the likelihood of her compliance. The care team helped the patient integrate some significant changes into her life by taking the time to first understand her "operating system."

MBMD test scales target the most critical data

In her pre-surgical psychological evaluation, Steres first reviews MBMD results to look for psychiatric indications, particularly for depression.

Then, Steres appraises the treatment prognostics provided by the MBMD report; specifically, problematic compliance and utilization excess. Next, she examines MBMD report data on the patient’s coping styles and stress moderators to learn about assets and liabilities the medical team can work with to help the individual be successful.

Based on this information, Steres determines whether the patient can tolerate the surgery. If so, she includes specific treatment recommendations suggested by the MBMD data in her reports so that the treatment team can work with the patient to prepare for surgery and optimize the patient’s long-term success post-surgery.

Only 20% of the candidates Steres sees are approved for surgery at the time of the initial evaluation. The other 80% must work on certain behaviors before they will be approved for surgery. The MBMD test helps target the areas where work is needed, whether it be on improving coping skills, stabilizing mood, addressing compliance concerns, or allowing time to more firmly establish presurgery diet and exercise routines.

Proven efficacy

Franks’ and Steres’ teams have found that understanding their patients’ “operating systems” through psychological evaluation is key to successful outcomes—and that the MBMD test is a valuable component of such an assessment.

Susan Franks, PhD, is the health psychologist for a family medicine practice within the University of North Texas School of Medicine. Franks, who is also a neuropsychologist, specializes in obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Lisa Steres, PhD, practices general clinical psychology with a specialization in bariatric patients within Scripps Clinic Medical Group, located in greater San Diego, California.

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