Changes in clinical depression following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Mental Health

Background:

• Bariatric surgery, including Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), is a common weight-loss procedure.
• While effective, SG carries potential complications, including psychological impacts.
• The prevalence of depression following SG requires further investigation, especially in specific ethnic groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence of depression after Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in an Iranian population.
• To identify factors associated with post-operative depression in SG patients.
• To provide clinical guidance on managing depression risks associated with SG.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 307 patients who underwent SG was analyzed.
• Depression diagnoses were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes.
• Follow-up screening occurred between 20 to 24 months post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Post-operative depression prevalence was 37.7%, a statistically significant increase from the 30.2% pre-operative rate (p=0.025).
• Factors such as BMI, dyslipidemia, body image satisfaction, and weight loss were significant.
• Divorced individuals exhibited a notably higher risk of post-operative depression.

Conclusions:

• Clinical depression is significantly prevalent after SG and influenced by various factors.
• The findings underscore the importance of assessing mental health status in SG candidates and post-operative patients.
• This study offers guidance for clinicians and patients regarding the risks and benefits of SG concerning depression.