Substance use following bariatric weight loss surgery

Area of Science:

• Bariatric surgery outcomes
• Behavioral health post-surgery
• Substance use research

Background:

• Limited research exists on substance use changes after bariatric weight loss surgery (WLS).
• Post-surgical compensatory behaviors, such as increased substance use, are a concern due to reduced food intake.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in substance use (drug, alcohol, cigarette smoking) before and after bariatric weight loss surgery.
• To test the hypothesis that WLS patients increase substance use post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 155 participants (132 women, 23 men) undergoing WLS.
• Participants completed the Compulsive Behaviors Questionnaire assessing substance use at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-surgery.
• Two surgical types were included: laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n=100) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (n=55).

Main Results:

• A significant increase in composite substance use was observed 24 months post-surgery compared to baseline and earlier follow-ups (P = .02).
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients showed a significant increase in alcohol use from baseline to 24 months (P = .011).
• Survey response rates varied, with 24% at the 24-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Bariatric weight loss surgery patients may face an elevated risk of substance use post-operation.
• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may particularly increase alcohol use risk.
• This study provides longitudinal data documenting increased substance use following WLS.