Psychosocial Functioning of Bariatric Surgery Patients 6-Years Postoperative

Mental health professionals routinely assess psychosocial risk factors prior to bariatric surgery to help identify factors that may impede surgical outcomes. Data regarding longer-term psychosocial functioning postoperatively are needed.

Assess the psychosocial functioning of patients who obtained bariatric surgery approximately 6 years ago.

A total of 161 patients consented to participate in the outcome study. Participants were compensated for their time and participation. Participants were weighed by the research/clinical staff and asked to complete a battery of self-report measures, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). Other measures targeted adherence, eating behaviors/body image, alcohol use, and quality of life.

Postoperative MMPI-2-RF scores indicate psychosocial functioning is largely similar to previously published pre-surgical functioning data. Six-year weight loss outcomes were lower than previous studies reported for a similar postoperative time period (mean %total weight loss = 22.98%; standard deviation = 11.71), though quality of life scores were relatively high. Postoperative MMPI-2-RF scale scores were associated with poorer psychosocial functioning, reduced adherence, greater eating behaviors/body image concerns, greater alcohol use severity, lower quality of life, and less overall weight loss.

Psychological dysfunction 6 years after surgery is associated with various adverse outcomes. Ongoing, postoperative treatment may result in better long-term functioning for patients.