Two-year trends in psychosocial functioning after adolescent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Comprehensive studies of adolescent bariatric surgery outcomes are in their infancy and are critically needed. The present study examined the rate of change in the body mass index (BMI), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depressive symptoms, and self-concept in adolescents undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) during the first 24 postoperative months using a prospective longitudinal design at a pediatric medical center.

A total of 16 adolescents (mean age 16.2 yr; 62.5% female, mean BMI 59.9 kg/m2; 97% of eligible, consecutive patients) completed the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Kids, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, and height and weight measurements at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after RYGB. A total of 75% participated at all follow-up points.

Before RYGB, global psychosocial impairments were documented. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine the growth trajectories. Several quadratic (nonlinear) trends were revealed. A substantial reduction in weight and depressive symptoms, as well as improved HRQOL and self-concept were identified across the first postoperative year, followed by decelerations in year 2, including weight regain (P < .0001) and slight increases in depressive symptoms (P = .004) and decreases in HRQOL (Social, P = .002; Body Esteem, P = .0007; Physical Comfort, P < .0001; and Total, P < .0001), and self-concept (Social, P = .02; Appearance, P = .002; and Close Friendship, P = .008).

During the first 24 months after RYGB, preliminary evidence suggests adolescents experience significant weight loss as well as psychosocial and HRQOL improvements. A deceleration in these gains occurred in the second postoperative year. Longer term follow-up with larger samples is critical to determine the weight and psychosocial trajectories, and what role psychosocial status plays in adolescents' weight change and maintenance.