Interpersonal Abuse and Long-term Outcomes Following Bariatric Surgery

History of abuse may impact weight loss (WL) following bariatric surgery. Some investigations have indicated slower WL rates among patients reporting abuse; however, among studies with multiple assessments, significant differences in WL are not evidenced at later measurement. Few investigations have extended follow-up beyond 18 months, limiting understanding of the impact of abuse on weight trajectory over time. Furthermore, existing research has insufficiently accounted for forms of interpersonal trauma beyond sexual abuse (i.e., emotional, physical) that may impact WL and other health outcomes.

To determine whether post-surgical percent total WL (%TWL) and specific clinical outcomes are differentially impacted by history of interpersonal abuse.

Large, comprehensive medical center.

Retrospective data was collected from patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single center (N = 433). Based on pre-surgical interview, patients were grouped according to reported history of interpersonal abuse (Y/N). Nonlinear repeated measures regression examined impact of abuse history on %TWL, and clinical selequae.

Differences in %TWL at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months post-surgically did not differ significantly. Further, %TWL did not differ across time, according to group. A significantly greater number of those with history of interpersonal abuse had a clinical diagnosis of depression as compared with those not reporting interpersonal abuse (38% vs. 22% respectively), p < .001.

Interpersonal abuse history does not negatively impact %TWL post-surgically but is associated with diagnosis of depression, indicating depressive symptoms may be a viable clinical intervention target for surgery patients with interpersonal trauma history.