Psychosocial adjustments following weight loss surgery

Recent interest in weight loss surgery has increased dramatically, largely due to the rising prevalence of severe obesity and the use of less invasive laparoscopic surgical procedures. Physiological postoperative outcomes are easily measured and have been well documented in the literature. The impact of weight loss surgery on psychosocial, behavioral, and psychological function is less clearly understood. Few long-term studies of postoperative weight loss surgery patients in the literature measure emotional health and quality of life. This article discusses some of the psychosocial, behavioral, and psychiatric issues and challenges patients commonly encounter following weight loss surgery.