A prospective study of psychosocial aspects of gastric stapling surgery

Sixteen patients who underwent gastric stapling procedure for morbid obesity were assessed pre- and post-operatively on several psychosocial dimensions using a number of self-report questionnaires including the Eating Disorders Inventory, Locus of Control, and Millon's Clinical Multi-Axial Inventory. Subjects' responses to questions regarding their socialization, lifestyle and sexual relations were also compared for the two periods. The mean interval between surgery and completion of follow-up questionnaires was 13.6 months. Eighty-one percent of the patients showed an improvement in their psychosocial profile as measured by the MCMI. Although some residual difficulties were reported, generally patients were pleased with their physical appearance and experienced an improvement in current relationships and sexual functioning. Overall, the results indicate a favorable psychosocial outcome following gastric stapling surgery.