Eating patterns in morbidly obese patients before and after a gastric restrictive operation

The present study was set up to analyze the relationships between eating patterns in morbidly obese patients who had undergone an adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB) followed for at least 2 years and morbidly obese patients without a gastric restrictive procedure.

Eating pattern was monitored by using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 99 morbidly obese patients (BMI > or = 35 kg/m2) preoperatively and in 31 patients who had undergone a stomach reduction by the Lap-Band followed at least 2 years. Both groups were compared to the Dutch normative scores.

In the preoperative group, the scores on emotional eating and external eating were significantly higher than the Dutch normative scores. The scores on restrained eating were preoperatively equal to the Dutch normative scores. Although not significant, the scores in the postoperative group on external eating were lower than the Dutch normative scores and equal on emotional eating. The variable restrained eating postoperatively was significantly higher compared with the preoperative group. On emotional and external eating, the scores postoperatively were significantly lower compared with the preoperative group.

According to the results, surgical treatment using an ASGB or another gastric restrictive operation could be the right solution in patients with an emotional and external eating behavior. Placement of the ASGB has a negative effect on restrained eating behavior.