The Psychosocial Effects of Perioperative Complications After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss tool that results in sustained weight loss, improvement in obesity-related comorbidities, and positive psychosocial outcomes. However, bariatric procedures also present with risks, as surgical complications are not uncommon.

This study aims to better understand the effect of postoperative complications from bariatric surgeries on patients' psychosocial well-being.

Surgical data on postoperative complications were matched with results from self-administered psychosocial questionnaires. Depression, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL) were assessed preoperatively, and at 1-year postoperatively.

A total of 365 patients were included. Overall, the complication rate was 15.3% (n = 56), with 31 (8.5%) patients experiencing complications within 30 days of surgery, and 25 (6.8%) experiencing late complications. All patients achieved significant weight loss at 1-year postoperatively. Patients with uncomplicated recoveries showed significant improvement in depression (P < 0.001), anxiety (P < 0.001), mental QOL (P < 0.001), and physical QOL (P < 0.001) at 1-year postsurgery. Patients who experienced postoperative complications showed significant improvement in depression (P < 0.001), anxiety (P = 0.04) and physical QOL (P < 0.001), but not in mental QOL (P = 0.210). Despite improved psychosocial outcomes from baseline, patients experiencing complications showed higher postoperative depression scores (P < 0.01) and lower physical QOL (P < 0.01) than patients without complication. Comparison between those with early and late complications did not show significant difference in outcomes.

Complications following bariatric surgery can hinder improvements in patient's psychological well-being and QOL. Bariatric centers should provide more support for patients who have experienced complications.