The prognostic significance of depressive symptoms for predicting quality of life 12 months after gastric bypass

A semi-structured interview is associated with bariatric surgery outcomes

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations (PSPE) are required by many insurance companies and used to help identify risk factors that may compromise bariatric post-surgical outcomes. These evaluations, however, are not yet standardized. The present study investigated the utility of a semi-structured assessment, Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation (SIPAT), on post-surgical outcomes across 18 months. A total of 272 adult patients underwent a psychosocial evaluation and received bariatric surgery November 2017 to September 2020 at a Midwestern academic medical center. Average age at pre-surgical evaluation was 45.2 (SD = 10.7) years and 82.3% of patients were female (n = 224). With an a priori α of 0.05, multi-level modeling with weight as the outcome and regression with complications as the outcome were used. Higher SIPAT Patient Readiness, indicating difficulty with adhering to health behaviors and a reduced understanding of bariatric surgery, was associated with elevated patient weight at the 18-month follow-up (𝛽 = 0.129, p = 0.03). Higher SIPAT Social Support, was associated with patient weight at the 18-month follow-up, with reduced support associated with greater weight (𝛽 = 0.254, p = 0.004). Higher SIPAT Social Support also was associated with a greater risk of complications across the 18-month follow-up window (𝛽 = -0.108, p = 0.05). Patients with higher readiness to adhere to behavioral changes, and those reporting an intact social support system, generally weighed less at 18 months. The SIPAT may be considered as part of the standardized pre-surgical assessment, however, further research is required to elucidate its utility.

Changes in Work Ability after Weight-Loss Surgery: Results of a Longitudinal Study of Persons with Morbid Obesity before and after Bariatric Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing treatment, but knowledge of its influence on changes in work ability is still limited. We hypothesized that self-reported work ability improves in response to surgery-induced weight loss and sociodemographical variables (e.g., age, sex, and marital status), and that psychosocial characteristics (e.g., depressive symptoms and dysfunctional eating) may have predictive value as to patients' work ability.

METHODS

A total of 200 participants scheduled for bariatric surgery were recruited between September 2015 and June 2018. They completed several self-report measures at the preoperative examination (t1) and at 6- (t2) and 12 months (t3) after bariatric surgery. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was calculated to detect any changes in the work ability and body mass index (BMI) among the 3 time points. Further, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether any demographical and psychosocial characteristics at (t1) would predict work ability at (t3).

RESULTS

Participants (82% of whom were women) were middle-aged and showed a BMI of nearly 46 at the preoperative medical examination. Excess weight loss at (t2) and at (t3) was 49 and 66%, respectively. Work ability increased toward a moderate level after weight-loss surgery. Work ability and dysfunctional eating at (t1) showed significant predictive value with respect to work ability at (t3).

DISCUSSION

The results suggest that weight-loss surgery has a positive impact on work ability, and indicate a predictive value for the extent of weight loss and dysfunctional eating behavior. Against our hypothesis and in contrast to former research, a predictive value for depressive symptoms and age was not revealed. Further research must show how interventions can support and maintain improvements in work ability after bariatric surgery, in order to reduce sick leave and unemployment in patients with preoperative morbid obesity.

Quality of life and psychopathology in candidates to bariatric surgery: relationship with BMI class

PURPOSE

This cross-sectional study aimed at comparing the quality of life (Qol), the prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis and pharmacological treatment in 104 candidates to bariatric surgery according to the degree of obesity (class 2 vs. class ≥ 3 obesity).

METHODS

All surgical candidates underwent a detailed psychiatric interview based on DSM-5 criteria, including sociodemographic, clinical, psychological and psychiatric data. Participants completed the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).

RESULTS

Overall, bariatric candidates reported a significant impairment in the physical (PCS 38.8 [95% CI 36.2-41.5]) and mental (MCS 42.2 [95% CI 40.4-43.9]) components of Qol compared to population norms (p < 0.001 for both). Subjects with class 2 obesity scored significantly lower in the MCS compared to those with class 3 (38.7 (8.1) vs. 43.6 (8.4), p = 0.008). No other statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of sociodemographic and clinical variables.

CONCLUSION

These data support the usefulness of Qol assessment in bariatric candidates as a sensible screening parameter, especially in patients with lower BMI, in whom MCS could identify the need for early psychosocial intervention.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control analytic study.

Psychosocial Predictors of Work Ability in Morbidly Obese Patients: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study in the Context of Bariatric Surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with a higher risk of work disability and premature early retirement.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial predictors for work ability prior to surgery.

METHODS

Based on a sample of 197 surgery-seeking obese patients (preoperative body mass index [BMI] above 35 kg/m2) from a German bariatric surgery unit, the present cross-sectional study examined based on standardized self-rating measures whether depressive symptoms, dysfunctional eating behaviors, relationship satisfaction, and life satisfaction have a predictive value for work ability.

RESULTS

Considerable impairment of work ability was found in 51.8% of morbidly obese participants (n = 102). Multiple regression analyses revealed that older age, greater depressive symptoms, and lower life satisfaction were significant predictors of preoperative work ability. BMI, gender, relationship satisfaction, and dysfunctional eating behaviors did not predict work ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings might indicate the use of further psychosocial measures following bariatric surgery to increase work ability.

Mediators of suicidality 12 years after bariatric surgery relative to a nonsurgery comparison group

BACKGROUND

Individuals undergoing bariatric surgery report higher levels of suicidality than the general population, but it is unknown what mediates this phenomenon or how this compares with individuals with severe obesity not receiving surgery.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated suicidality in 131 individuals 12 years post surgery compared with 205 individuals with severe obesity who did not undergo surgery. Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and metabolic health were assessed as mediators of suicidality.

SETTING

University.

METHODS

Suicidality was assessed with the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised at 12 years. Metabolic health and HRQOL (Short Form-36 [SF-36] Mental Component Summary score, Physical Component Summary score, and Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite) were assessed at baseline and 2 and 6 years. The effects of bariatric surgery on suicidality at 12 years were assessed through univariate and multivariate sequential moderated mediation models, with changes in metabolic health and HRQOL from 0-2 years and 2-6 years as mediators.

RESULTS

Suicidality was higher in the surgery group versus the nonsurgery group (estimate [est.] = .708, SE = .292, P < .05). Only the indirect pathways at 2 years after surgery for SF-36 Mental Component Summary in the univariate models (est. = -.172, SE = .080, P < .05) and for SF-36 Physical Component Summary in the multivariate model (est. = .593, SE = .281, P < .05) were significant.

CONCLUSION

Individuals undergoing bariatric surgery reported higher levels of suicidality at 12 years, which was mediated by less improvement in the mental and physical components of HRQOL in the first 2 years after surgery, suggesting the need for additional clinical monitoring.

Predicting Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life after Bariatric Surgery Using a Conventional Neural Network: A Study Based on the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry

Severe obesity has been associated with numerous comorbidities and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although many studies have reported changes in HRQoL after bariatric surgery, few were long-term prospective studies. We examined the performance of the convolution neural network (CNN) for predicting 5-year HRQoL after bariatric surgery based on the available preoperative information from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg). CNN was used to predict the 5-year HRQoL after bariatric surgery in a training dataset and evaluated in a test dataset. In general, performance of the CNN model (measured as mean squared error, MSE) increased with more convolution layer filters, computation units, and epochs, and decreased with a larger batch size. The CNN model showed an overwhelming advantage in predicting all the HRQoL measures. The MSEs of the CNN model for training data were 8% to 80% smaller than those of the linear regression model. When the models were evaluated using the test data, the CNN model performed better than the linear regression model. However, the issue of overfitting was apparent in the CNN model. We concluded that the performance of the CNN is better than the traditional multivariate linear regression model in predicting long-term HRQoL after bariatric surgery; however, the overfitting issue needs to be mitigated using more features or more patients to train the model.

Correlates of weight-related quality of life among individuals with binge eating disorder before and after cognitive behavioral therapy

Individuals with obesity and binge eating disorder (BED) report poorer weight-related quality of life (WRQOL) compared to individuals with obesity alone. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the best available treatment for BED, does not consistently produce weight loss or improvements in weight QOL. The purpose of the current study was to examine baseline and longitudinal associations between eating-related and psychosocial variables and dimensions of weight QOL. We examined associations between predictor variables, including body mass index (BMI), eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, and psychosocial factors, in relation to three dimensions of WRQOL among 171 patients whom received CBT for BED. Participants completed interviews and self-report measures at baseline prior to CBT and at end of treatment. At baseline the following associations were significant: BMI, ED psychopathology, and self-esteem were associated with weight-related self-esteem; gender, BMI, and self-esteem were associated with weight-related public distress (i.e., stigma and worry in public because of one's weight); and age, BMI, and ED psychopathology were associated with weight-related physical function. At end of treatment, the following associations were significant: changes in ED psychopathology and coping predicted weight-related self-esteem; changes in coping and self-esteem predicted weight-related public distress; and changes in BMI and subjective binge eating predicted weight-related physical function. Overall, changes in a number of ED and associated symptoms were associated with improvements in WRQOL.

Psychosocial predictors of quality of life and weight loss two years after bariatric surgery: Results from the Toronto Bari-PSYCH study

OBJECTIVES

Studies exploring the impact of pre-surgery psychiatric status as a predictor of health related quality of life (QOL) after bariatric surgery have been limited to short-term follow-up and variable use of psychosocial measures. We examined the effect of pre-operative psychiatric factors on QOL and weight loss 2-years after surgery.

METHODS

156 patients participated in this prospective cohort study, the Toronto Bariatric Psychosocial Cohort Study, between 2010 and 2014. Patients were assessed pre-surgery for demographic factors, weight, psychiatric diagnosis using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview and symptom measures for QOL, depression and anxiety at pre-surgery and at 1 and 2years post-surgery.

RESULTS

At 2-years post-bariatric surgery, patients experienced a significant decrease in mean weight (-48.43kg, 95% [-51.1, -45.76]) and an increase only in physical QOL (+18.91, 95% [17.01, 20.82]) scores as compared to pre-surgery. Multivariate regression analysis identified pre-surgery physical QOL score (p<0.001), younger age (p=0.005), and a history of a mood disorder as significant predictors of physical QOL. Only a history of a mood disorder (p=0.032) significantly predicted mental QOL (p=0.006). Pre-surgery weight (p<0.001) and a history of a mood disorder (p=0.047) were significant predictors of weight loss 2-years post-surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery had a sustained impact on physical QOL but not mental QOL at 2-years post-surgery. A history of mood disorder unexpectedly increased physical QOL scores and weight loss following surgery. Further research is needed to determine if these results are due to bariatric surgery candidate selection within this program.

Prospective study of psychiatric illness as a predictor of weight loss and health related quality of life one year after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Despite a lack of evidence, there is an assumption that patients with more complex psychiatric histories (CPH) prior to bariatric surgery have poor post-surgical weight loss and worsening psychiatric symptoms following surgery. Consequently, those with CPH are excluded from bariatric surgery in many bariatric clinics. This study examines whether psychiatric illness affects post-surgical weight loss and HRQOL, focusing on patients with CPH.

METHOD

This prospective cohort study investigated 341 patients from a tertiary care centre bariatric surgery program who had surgery between September 2010 and October 2013. Patients were divided into CPH, other psychiatric disorder (OPD), or no psychiatric disorder (NPD) groups based on lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. Groups were compared one year post-surgery in regards to percent total weight loss (%TWL), mental and physical health related quality of life (HRQOL) using a Kruskal-Wallist test. Linear regression analysis was used to determine if mental illness group, gender, age, pre-op BMI, education, employment and relationship status predict change in %TWL and HRQOL.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in %TWL or physical HRQOL across groups. The CPH group experienced a decrease in mental HRQOL (p=0.0003). Mental illness severity predicted mental HRQOL (p=0.002) but not physical HRQOL or %TWL.

CONCLUSION

Those with controlled CPH can achieve comparable weight loss compared to those with OPD or NPD. However, CPH may predict post-surgical decline in mental HRQOL. These findings demonstrate a need to reevaluate exclusion criteria to ensure equitable access to care, while continuing to monitor for psychiatric illness following surgery.

Examination of the Beck Depression Inventory-II Factor Structure Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates

BACKGROUND

The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is frequently used to evaluate bariatric patients in clinical and research settings; yet, there are limited data regarding the factor structure of the BDI-II with a bariatric surgery population.

METHODS

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using principal axis factoring with oblimin rotation was employed with data from 1228 consecutive presurgical bariatric candidates. Independent t tests were used to examine potential differences between sexes. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with the next 383 consecutive presurgical patients to evaluate the proposed model based on EFA results.

RESULTS

EFA revealed three factors: negative perceptions, diminished vigor, and cognitive dysregulation, each with adequate internal consistency. Six BDI-II items did not load significantly on any of the three factors. CFA results largely supported the proposed model.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that dimensions of depression for presurgical bariatric candidates vary from other populations and raise important caveats regarding the utility of the BDI-II in bariatric research.

The Effect of Preoperative Type 2 Diabetes and Physical Fitness on Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Objective. To investigate the predictive value of type 2 diabetes and lack of physical activity for mental health and health-related quality of life after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Method. Forty severely obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were included in the GASMITO study. Information about physiological and psychological factors was prospectively assessed at four time points, two times prior to surgery and two times after surgery. Measures included oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests, VO2max test, Symptoms Checklist (SCL-90), Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36), Body Image Questionnaire, and a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors and medical status. Results. Mean % excess weight loss was 65% (±12) at 18-month follow-up and 50% of the participants with diabetes experienced total remission. Also, significant improvements were observed with regard to physical fitness, mental distress, health-related quality of life, and weight-related body image (p < 0.05). The interaction between follow-up time and type 2 diabetes at baseline significantly predicted six of the thirteen psychological subscales (p < 0.05) and, across the follow-ups, physical fitness level made modest contributions to variations in mental symptoms and HRQOL but not weight-related body image. Conclusion. The results suggest that baseline difference in mental symptoms and physical HRQOL between diabetic and nondiabetic patients declines across follow-ups and resolves around the time of surgery.

Impact of a 6-month treatment with intragastric balloon on body composition and psychopathological profile in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-month treatment with intragastric balloon (IGB) on body composition and depressive/anxiety symptoms in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome (MS).

METHODS

Fifty patients (aged 18-50 years) with obesity and MS were selected for treatment with IGB for 6 months. Body composition was verified with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at baseline and right after IGB removal. Anxiety/depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) at baseline and after 6 months of treatment.

RESULTS

In total, 39 patients completed the study. After 6 months, there were significant decreases in weight (11.7 ± 9.6 kg, p < 0.0001) and waist circumference (9.3 ± 8.2 cm, p < 0.0001). Weight loss was also demonstrated by DXA and corresponded to decreases of 3.0 ± 3.4% in body fat percentage, 7.53 ± 7.62 kg in total body fat, and 3.70 ± 4.89 kg in lean body mass (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Depressive symptoms scores decreased by a mean of 4.57 ± 10.6 points when assessed with the BDI (p = 0.002) and 1.82 ± 5.16 points when assessed with the HADS-Depression (p = 0.0345). Anxiety symptoms scores decreased by a mean of 1.84 ± 4.04 points when determined with the HADS-anxiety (p = 0.0066). The decrease in body fat percentage was the parameter that best correlated with improvements in depressive (p = 0.008) and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

In obese individuals with MS, fat mass reduction was associated with short-term improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Trial Registration Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01598233.

The effect of bariatric surgery on patient HRQOL and sexual health during a 1-year postoperative period

BACKGROUND

Negative consequences of the obesity epidemic include decreased physical, psychological, and sexual health. Bariatric surgery is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for morbid obesity. This study aimed to determine the effect of bariatric surgery on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual functioning and to identify potential predictors of this effect.

METHODS

Eighty morbidly obese patients (50 women) completed the study. HRQOL was measured using the Short Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36). Sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). All participants were evaluated four times as follows: presurgery (T1), 1 month (T2), 6 months (T3), and 1 year (T4) after surgery.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased over time (p < 0.001). Apart from male orgasm, all sexual functioning components as well as all SF-36 sub-scales improved between T1 and T4. The maximum improvement was observed between T2 and T3. Baseline HRQOL scores correlated with postoperative improvement in all HRQOL components. BMI improvement was correlated with improvement in role physical, bodily pain, and mental health scores. Baseline total sexual satisfaction score independently predicted total satisfaction improvement in both genders.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that bariatric surgery represents an effective obesity treatment, leading to significant BMI reduction and improvement in HRQOL and sexual functioning, especially in the first 6 months postoperatively.

The impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aims to review the obesity literature in order to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life and the between-study variation by examining the standardized mean magnitude of effect in change in the levels of quality of life. The following databases EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies examining change in quality of life in adults receiving bariatric surgery for obesity. Seventy-two studies were included with a total of 9,433 participants treated for obesity with bariatric surgery. The average impact of bariatric surgery on quality of life corresponded to an effect size of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.96), indicating that bariatric surgery has a significant positive influence on quality of life in general. The impact varied considerably across studies with bariatric surgery showing a significantly greater positive influence on physical quality of life compared to mental quality of life. Bariatric surgery is effective in improving quality of life, especially when looking at physical well-being. Greater focus on the psychological well-being of the person undergoing surgery for obesity may lead to a better post-surgery prognosis for more people.

Pre-operative history of depression and cognitive changes in bariatric surgery patients

Obesity-associated cognitive impairments may be partially reversible through bariatric surgery. Depression, a prevalent comorbidity in bariatric surgery candidates, is linked with cognitive impairment and poorer surgical outcomes in other populations. No study has examined the effects of pre-operative depression on cognitive changes in bariatric surgery patients. Sixty-seven bariatric surgery patients completed a computerized cognitive test battery prior to surgery and 12 months post-operatively. The structured clinical interview for the DSM-IV Axis I disorders assessed major depressive disorder (MDD). Pre-surgery history of MDD was found in 47.8% of patients, but was not associated with greater baseline cognitive impairments. Repeated measures revealed improved cognitive abilities 12 months after surgery. Pre-surgery history of MDD did not influence post-operative cognitive function. Pre-operative history of MDD did not limit post-operative cognitive improvements. Larger studies with extended follow-ups are needed to clarify our findings and identify factors (e.g. older age) that may modify cognitive changes following surgery.

Predictors of changes in physical, psychosocial, sexual quality of life, and comfort with food after obesity surgery: a 12-month follow-up study

PURPOSE

Although obesity surgery provides significant postoperative improvement in quality of life (QoL), it is still unclear which factors might predict improvement in QoL after surgery. We aimed to determine which factors might predict changes in physical, psychosocial, sexual QoL, and comfort with food 12 months after surgery, by putting to the test a QoL model based on Wilson and Cleary's model.

METHODS

We included 126 obese patients (48.4% had gastric banding, 34.1% had sleeve gastrectomy, and 17.5% had gastric bypass). At baseline, we assessed QoL (Quality of Life, Obesity and Dietetics rating scale), BMI, depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and binge eating (Bulimic Investigatory Test, Edinburgh). At 12 months, we assessed QoL and BMI. To determine the predictors for changes in each QoL dimension after surgery, we used linear mixed models adjusted for preoperative age, BMI, time, type of surgery, preoperative binge eating severity, and preoperative depression severity.

RESULTS

After 12 months, we found significant improvement in physical, psychosocial, sexual QoL, but not in comfort with food. Increased weight loss was associated with better improvement in physical and psychosocial QoL. Higher preoperative depression severity predicted poorer improvement in physical, psychosocial, and sexual QoL. Higher preoperative binge eating severity predicted poorer improvement in psychosocial, sexual QoL, and comfort with food.

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to weight loss, preoperative levels of binge eating and depression should be considered as important predictors for QoL changes after bariatric surgery. Screening and treatment for preoperative depression and binge eating might improve QoL after bariatric surgery.

Psychological predictors of mental health and health-related quality of life after bariatric surgery: a review of the recent research

BACKGROUND

Improvement of mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important success criterion for bariatric surgery. In general, mental health and HRQOL improve after surgery, but some patients experience negative psychological reactions postoperatively and the influence of pre-surgical psychological factors on mental wellbeing after surgery is unclear. The aim of the current article therefore is to review recent research investigating psychological predictors of mental health and HRQOL outcome.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science for studies investigating psychological predictors of either mental health or HRQOL after bariatric surgery. Original prospective studies published between 2003 and 2012 with a sample size >30 and a minimum of 1 year follow-up were included.

RESULTS

Only 10 eligible studies were identified. The findings suggest that preoperative psychological factors including psychiatric symptoms, body image and self-esteem may be important for mental health postoperatively. Predictors of postoperative HRQOL seem to include personality, severe psychiatric disorder at baseline and improvement of depressive symptoms. In addition, psychiatric symptoms that persist after surgery and inappropriate eating behaviour postoperatively are likely to contribute to poor health-related quality of life outcome.

CONCLUSION

Certain psychological factors appear to be important for mental health and HRQOL after bariatric surgery. However, the literature is extremely sparse and further research is highly needed.

Patient-reported outcomes in bariatric surgery: a systematic review of standards of reporting

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being used to treat severe obesity, but little is known about its impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). For PRO data to influence practice, well-designed and reported studies are required. A systematic review identified prospective bariatric surgery studies that used validated PRO measures. Risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed, and papers were examined for reporting of (i) who completed PRO measures; (ii) missing PRO data and (iii) clinical interpretation of PRO data. Studies meeting all criteria were classified as robust. Eighty-six studies were identified. Of the eight RCTs, risk of bias was high in one and unclear in seven. Sixty-eight different PRO measures were identified, with the Short Form (SF)-36 questionnaire most commonly used. Forty-one (48%) studies explicitly stated measures were completed by patients, 63 (73%) documented missing PRO data and 50 (58%) interpreted PRO data clinically. Twenty-six (30%) met all criteria. Although many bariatric surgery studies assess PROs, study design and reporting is often poor, limiting data interpretation and synthesis. Well-designed studies that include agreed PRO measures are needed with reporting to include integration with clinical outcomes to inform practice.

Psychometric evaluation of the IWQOL-Lite (Spanish version) when applied to a sample of obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

Obesity may have an impact on key aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). In this context, the Impact of Weight Quality of Life (IWQOL) questionnaire was the first scale designed to assess HRQOL. The aim of the present study was twofold: to assess HRQOL in a sample of Spanish patients awaiting bariatric surgery and to determine the psychometric properties of the IWQOL-Lite and its sensitivity to detect differences in HRQOL across groups.

METHODS

Participants were 109 obese adult patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2)) from Barcelona, to whom the following measurement instruments were applied: IWQOL-Lite, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, Brief Symptom Inventory, and self-perception items.

RESULTS

Descriptive data regarding the IWQOL-Lite scores obtained by these patients are reported. Principal components analysis revealed a five-factor model accounting for 72.05% of the total variance, with factor loadings being adequate for all items. Corrected item-total correlations were acceptable for all items. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were excellent both for the subscales (0.88-0.93) and the total scale (0.95). The relationship between the IWQOL-Lite and other variables supports the construct validity of the scale. Finally, sensitivity analysis revealed large effect sizes when comparing scores obtained by extreme BMI groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report the application of the IWQOL-Lite to a sample of Spanish patients awaiting bariatric surgery and to confirm that the Spanish version of the instrument has adequate psychometric properties.

Quality of life among patients undergoing bariatric surgery: associations with mental health- A 1 year follow-up study of bariatric surgery patients

BACKGROUND

Preoperative mental health seems to have useful predictive value for Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) after bariatric surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess pre- and postoperative psychiatric disorders and their associations with pre- and postoperative HRQOL.

METHOD

Data were assessed before (n = 127) and one year after surgery (n = 87). Psychiatric disorders were assessed by Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) and Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-II). HRQOL was assessed by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found in HRQOL from preoperative assessment to follow-up one year after surgery. For the total study population, the degree of improvement was statistically significant (p values < .001) for seven of the eight SF-36 subscales from preoperative assessment to follow-up one year after surgery. Patients without psychiatric disorders had no impairments in postoperative HRQOL, and patients with psychiatric disorders that resolved after surgery had small impairments on two of the eight SF-36 subscales compared to the population norm (all effect sizes < .5) at follow-up one year after surgery. Patients with psychiatric disorders that persisted after surgery had impaired HRQOL at follow-up one year after surgery compared to the population norm, with effect sizes for the differences from moderate to large (all effect sizes ≥ .6).

CONCLUSION

This study reports the novel finding that patients without postoperative psychiatric disorders achieved a HRQOL comparable to the general population one year after bariatric surgery; while patients with postoperative psychiatric disorders did not reach the HRQOL level of the general population. Our results support monitoring patients with psychiatric disorders persisting after surgery for suboptimal improvements in quality of life after bariatric surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov prior to patient inclusion (ProtocolID16280).

Maintaining Weight Loss Momentum After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery holds considerable promise for initiating weight loss in extreme obesity. Yet, potential long-term benefits may not be fully realized without sustained lifestyle amelioration. This review discusses some key contributing dynamics as well as future research considerations for optimizing outcomes following weight loss surgery.

Loss of control over eating predicts outcomes in bariatric surgery patients: a prospective, 24-month follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the clinical significance of loss of control (LOC) over eating in bariatric surgery patients over 24 months of prospective, multiwave follow-ups.

METHOD

Three hundred sixty-one gastric bypass surgery patients completed a battery of assessments before surgery and at 6, 12, and 24 months following surgery. In addition to weight loss and LOC over eating, the assessments targeted eating disorder psychopathology, depression levels, and quality of life. The study was conducted between January 2002 and February 2008.

RESULTS

Prior to surgery, 61% of patients reported general LOC; postsurgery, 31% reported LOC at 6-month follow-up, 36% reported LOC at 12-month follow-up, and 39% reported LOC at 24-month follow-up. Preoperative LOC did not predict postoperative outcomes. In contrast, mixed models analyses revealed that postsurgery LOC was predictive of weight loss outcomes: patients with LOC postsurgery lost significantly less weight at 12-month (34.6% vs 37.2% BMI loss) and 24-month (35.8% vs 39.1% BMI loss) postsurgery follow-ups. Postsurgery LOC also significantly predicted eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and quality of life at 12- and 24-month postsurgery follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative LOC does not appear to be a negative prognostic indicator for postsurgical outcomes. Postoperative LOC, however, significantly predicts poorer postsurgical weight loss and psychosocial outcomes at 12 and 24 months following surgery. Since LOC following bariatric surgery significantly predicts attenuated postsurgical improvements, it may signal a need for clinical attention.

[Evolution of psychopathological alterations in patients with morbid obesity after bariatric surgery]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to know the prevalence of the psychopathological alterations among patients with morbid obesity (MO) candidates for bariatric surgery in our centre, to analyze its predictive value on the surgical outcome and to study the evolution after weight stabilization was achieved.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty five patients of the University Hospital Foundation Alcorcón (122 women) candidates for bariatric surgery (108 finally operated) were included in the study. A clinical interview was carried and several scales of psychopathology were applied before and after surgery: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Maudsley Obsessive-compulsive Interview (MOCI), Barrat Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), Bulimic Investigation Test Edinburg (BITE), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). A comparison of means between the initial and final scores of the psychometric tests and a logistic regression analysis to identify the predictive variables of positive evolution after surgery (defined as percentage of lost overweight> 50% and final IMC <35) were performed.

RESULTS

An improvement in the scores of BDI, BAI and in the subscales of EDI, Impulse to the thinness (EDI-DT) and corporal Dissatisfaction (EDI-BD) was observed. The differences were not significant for the rest of the psychometric tests. The multivariate analysis identified 3 predictive factors for postsurgical evolution: BDI (OR 0.91, IC95% 0.82-1.02), BIS (OR 1.08, IC 95% 1.0-1.16) y EDI-DT (OR 1.18, IC 95% 1.0-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, the scales of depression, anxiety, impulse to thinness and corporal dissatisfaction improved in patients with MO after bariatric surgery. Some baseline psychometric variables may predict a favourable postsurgical evolution of these patients.

Self-reported stigmatization among candidates for bariatric surgery

The popularity of bariatric surgery has increased the focus on the psychological aspects of extreme obesity. Although a growing literature has documented the psychosocial burden associated with extreme obesity, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the experience of weight-related stigmatization among extremely obese individuals. The present study investigated self-reported experiences of weight-related stigmatization, weight-related quality of life, and depressive symptoms among 117 extremely obese individuals (BMI = 48.2 +/- 7.5 kg/m2) who presented for bariatric surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. In general, these individuals reported infrequent weight-related stigma, which was unrelated to BMI. Some specific forms of stigmatization, however, appear to be related to body size. The occurrence of stigmatization was associated with poorer weight-related quality of life and greater symptoms of depression.

Psychosocial predictors of success after vertical banded gastroplasty

BACKGROUND

Psychosocial and behavioral factors contribute to successful postoperative outcomes. Patients' psychological factors may be predictive of postsurgical adjustment. The identification of these factors would allow targeting patients at risk of a poor outcome. Furthermore, it would enable better patient selection and preoperative and/or postoperative counseling to improve long-term outcomes. Unfortunately, no such consistent and reproducible predictors have been found so far.

METHODS

The present study investigated in morbid obese patients who underwent vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) the predictive value of preoperative parameters, especially health-related quality of life (HRQoL), personality, psychosocial functioning, body image, and eating behavior for 2-year changes in these variables, as well as weight loss.

RESULTS

Two years after VBG, patients had significant weight loss and reported improvements in physical HRQoL, personality and psychosocial functioning, body image, and eating behavior. Although we were not able to find psychosocial predictors of excess weight loss or excess body mass index loss 2 years after VBG, we did find psychosocial predictors of 2-year changes in HRQoL, personality and psychosocial functioning, body image, and eating behavior.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative psychological assessment may not be necessary with respect to weight loss. However, it is helpful in targeting patients at risk of poor psychological outcomes after VBG.

Psychiatric issues in bariatric surgery

WLS is a proven, effective intervention for severely obese patients. There are four broad categories of surgery, but all reduce excess body weight to an extensive extent. Using surgery in the treatment of a disease with a large behavioral component may seem counterintuitive, but numerous studies have shown the ineffectiveness of diet and exercise in the morbidly obese. The ineffectiveness of these methods is the result, in part, of an alteration in hormones and peptides involved with long-term regulation of energy and weight. The WLS procedures have been shown to alter the anatomic and physiologic function of the stomach. In a motivated patient, this change in the gastrointestinal tract results in weight loss and a significant reduction in weight-related health problems. Evaluating a patient for WLS can be challenging, and multiple organizations have suggested that a multidisciplinary approach be used. The mental health professional often is called on to assess many different domains of psychologic function. This evaluation should go beyond the standard interview and should pay attention to the patient's eating behavior, knowledge of surgery, and motivation for surgery. The use of standardized instruments will facilitate accuracy and further research in the field of WLS. Because there are few absolute psychologic contraindications to WLS, the assessment should also focus on risk management, with the goal of improving the patient's postoperative quality of life.