Does preoperative grit predict improved outcomes after bariatric surgery?

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
• Psychological Assessment in Medicine

Background:

• The Grit-S test assesses preoperative determination and long-term goal orientation.
• Previous studies linked higher Grit-S scores to better outcomes in orthopedic and neurosurgery.
• However, Grit-S scores did not correlate with weight loss success after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative Grit-S scores and outcomes in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy.
• To determine if Grit-S scores predict weight loss, comorbidity resolution, and readmission rates post-bariatric surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 165 patients who completed the Grit-S questionnaire before RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy (June 2022 - August 2024).
• Analysis correlated Grit-S scores with one-year weight loss (defined as 20% total body weight loss), readmission rates, and comorbidity improvement.
• Comorbidities analyzed included diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.

Main Results:

• 80% of patients achieved successful weight loss; no significant difference in Grit-S scores was found between successful and unsuccessful weight loss groups (p=0.11).
• Grit-S scores showed no correlation with readmission rates (p=0.70).
• Grit-S scores did not predict the resolution of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or hypertension postoperatively (p<0.05 for all).

Conclusions:

• The Grit-S test may not be a reliable predictor of weight loss success following bariatric surgery.
• Further investigation is warranted to understand the role of Grit-S scores in the context of comprehensive preoperative psychiatric evaluations.
• Future research should explore Grit-S in conjunction with other psychological factors for bariatric surgery candidates.