Mental disorders and weight change in a prospective study of bariatric surgery patients: 7 years of follow-up

Long-Term Weight Loss and Attendance Outcomes Following Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: An Evaluation of The Cleveland Clinic Behavioral Rating System

INTRODUCTION

Interdisciplinary guidelines recommend preoperative psychological evaluation before metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). The Cleveland Clinic Behavioral Rating System (CCBRS) has been developed to evaluate the psychological state of individuals undergoing MBS. However, its predictive value concerning long-term weight loss and follow-up attendance has not been extensively studied. This study aims to assess the predictive value of the CCBRS regarding weight loss and follow-up attendance up to 5 years after MBS.

METHODS

In this cohort study (n = 1236), psychologists administered the CCBRS to each patient prior to MBS in addition to the standard psychosocial-behavioral screening. The CCBRS consists of nine psychological domains and is scored on a five-point Likert scale, from "poor" to "excellent." Linear mixed models and ordinal regression analysis were used to analyze the percentage total weight loss over time and follow-up attendance up to 5 years after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 1086 patients underwent subsequent MBS. Significant differences in weight loss and follow-up attendance were observed between some CCBRS groups compared to the reference group "excellent." However, these differences were not consistent across all groups within any given domain.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, the predictive value of the CCBRS for weight loss and follow-up attendance up to 5 years after MBS was limited. It is important to consider certain limitations, such as considerable loss to follow-up. Nevertheless, the CCBRS remains valuable for structured psychological assessments by helping to identify patients' strengths and areas needing improvement.

Relationship between psychiatric disorders and loss weight among patients underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery: A reassessment observational study after nine years

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evolution of Psychiatric Disorders (PD) and weight loss at different postoperative intervals up to 9 years after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS).

METHODS

This is a nine-year longitudinal study conducted at a single university-based bariatric center in Brazil. The Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the proportion of lifetime PD according to TPS, and its relationship with weight. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 assessed the PD and the percentage of Excess Lost Weight (%EWL) for weight changes. The study included 142 participants who had undergone MBS, mostly women (82 %), mean age of 52 years.

RESULTS

Depression and anxiety disorders were the most common PD. Regardless of the time elapsed since MBS, there was an increase of 32 % in lifetime mood disorders, bipolar disorders, and eating disorders. The average EWL for Time Post-Surgery (TPS) ≤ 24 months was 69 % and remained consistent until 72 months; after was 57 % and 58 % for ≤ 72 and 96 months, respectively. There was not a significant association between %EWL and PD when controlling for sex, age, and time post-surgery.

CONCLUSION

Psychiatric disorders can be associated and remain prevalent, regardless of time post-surgery; however, this does not significantly impact weight losss maintenance. It is recommended that individuals who have undergone MBS be monitored and supported over an extended period to address psychiatric comorbidities.

Bariatric surgeons' views on pre-operative factors associated with improved health-related quality of life following surgery

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity, affording significant improvements in weight loss and health-related quality of life. However, bariatric surgeons' views on whether certain pre-operative factors predict improvements in post-operative health-related quality of life, and if so, which ones, are largely unknown. This cross-sectional survey study examined the views of 58 bariatric surgeons from Australia and New Zealand. A total of 18 factors were selected for exploration based on their mention in the literature. Participants rated the extent to which they thought these pre-operative factors would improve post-operative health-related quality of life. Responses showed that bariatric surgeons held diverse perspectives and revealed a lack of consensus regarding "predictive" factors. Generally, respondents agreed that better than average health literacy, higher socioeconomic status, good physical and psychological health, and positive social support were predictors of improved health-related quality of life following surgery. However, poor eating behaviours, smoking, and the use of alcohol or other substances were deemed negative predictors. Interestingly, aside from higher socioeconomic status, good psychological health, and positive social support, none of the aforementioned views aligned with existing literature. This study offers an initial insight into bariatric surgeons' views on the influence of different pre-operative factors on post-operative health-related quality of life. The array of views identified suggests that there may be an opportunity for medical education, but the findings warrant caution due to the sample size. Replication with a larger survey may be useful, especially as predicted health-related quality of life outcomes could guide decisions regarding surgical (non)progression.

Mental health and weight regain after bariatric surgery: associations between weight regain and psychiatric and eating-related comorbidities

Objective

Weight regain is a common outcome of weight loss interventions. Mental health-related comorbidities, among other factors, can mediate weight regain regardless of the implemented treatment modality. This study explores whether postoperative psychopathological comorbidities are associated with weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 90 outpatients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Anthropometric measurements were collected retrospectively from medical charts. The Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV (DSM-IV) Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was applied to evaluate psychiatry diagnoses. Validated self-report instruments were used to assess depression, anxiety, alcohol use, impulsivity, binge eating, and body image dissatisfaction. Weight regain was defined as a ≥20% increase from the maximum weight lost. Level of evidence: Level III, cross-sectional study based on a well-designed study.

Results

Overall, 55.6% of participants experienced weight regain. Notably, mental disorders such as current binge-eating disorder and lifetime diagnoses including bulimia nervosa, alcohol abuse/dependence, and obsessive-compulsive disorder were significantly associated with weight regain. However, controlled analysis found that, for mental disorders, only current binge-eating disorder (odds ratio [OR] 6.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-31.06, p = 0.024) remained associated with weight regain. Eating-related psychopathologies also associated with weight regain included binge eating (d = 0.55; p = 0.013), eating disinhibition (d = 0.76; p = 0.001), higher hunger levels (d = 0.39; p = 0.004), and non-planning trait impulsivity (d = 0.69; p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Postoperative presence of psychopathological comorbidities, such as eating psychopathology and trait impulsivity, were associated with weight regain after bariatric surgery. These findings highlight the importance of addressing mental health in individuals experiencing postsurgical weight regain.

Mind the gap! Factors that predict progression to bariatric surgery indicate that more psychological treatment may be required

In the UK, the number of adults living with obesity is increasing. Bariatric surgery is an available treatment for those living with a BMI (kg/m2 ) ≥40 and above, or ≥35 with obesity-related comorbidities. Guidelines highlight the importance of providing psychological support pre- and post-surgery owing to the complex psychopathology present in those living with obesity. There are a lack of studies examining which patients proceed to surgery and the factors that predict progression. Routine patient data were collected within one NHS regional service in the UK, comprising 733 patients between 3 August 2018 and 26 July 2019, aged between 17 and 76 years (M = 43.20, SD = 12.32). The only exclusion criteria were patients still awaiting a final decision for surgical outcome at the point of analysis (N = 29), which resulted in 704 patients included in analysis. Binary Logistic Regression revealed those who were more likely to progress to surgery had a lower-level use of maladaptive external substances; lower level of self-harm and/or suicidality, were older in age; had a lower BMI; and had less comorbidities than those who did not progress. Findings support existing literature in that bariatric patients often present with physical and mental health complexity. Two thirds of patients in this study did not progress to surgery. Service commissioning decisions meant that these patients did not have access to psychology treatment. Consequently, in cases where bariatric surgery is considered, a final treatment option and otherwise clinically appropriate, lack of access to specialist services may result in unmet patient need owing particularly to a lack of psychological treatment provision.

Prevalence and short-term change in symptoms of anxiety and depression following bariatric surgery: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity that leads to significant physical health improvements. Few studies have prospectively described the short-term impact of surgery on mental health using standardised case-finding measures for anxiety or depressive disorders. This study describes the prevalence and short-term course of these conditions following surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study.

SETTING

12 National Health Service centres in England.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants studied took part in the By-Band-Sleeve study, a multicentre randomised controlled trial evaluating the surgical management of severe obesity. We included participants who had undergone surgery (gastric bypass, gastric band or sleeve gastrectomy) within 6 months of randomisation.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline and 12 months post-randomisation. Sociodemographic variables collected at prerandomisation included body mass index, age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, tobacco use, employment status and income band.

RESULTS

In our sample of 758 participants, 94.5% (n 716) and 93.9% (n 712) had completed baseline anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D) subscales. At pre-randomisation 46.1% (n 330/716, 95% CI 42.4% to 49.7%) met clinical case criteria for anxiety and 48.2% (n 343/712, 95% CI 44.5% to 51.8%) for depression. Among participants returning completed 12 months post-randomisation questionnaires (HADS-A n 503/716, HADS-D n 498/712), there was a significant reduction in the proportion of clinical cases with anxiety (-9.5%, 95% CI -14.3% to -4.8% p<0.001) and depression (-22.3%, 95% CI -27.0% to -17.6% p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost half of people undergoing bariatric surgery had underlying anxiety or depressive symptoms. In the short term, these symptoms appear to substantially improve. Future work must identify whether these effects are sustained beyond the first post-randomisation year.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02841527 and ISRCTN00786323.

Bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes: an umbrella review

Aims

To evaluate the breadth, depth and effectiveness of the evidence quality of all existing studies on bariatric surgery and mental health outcomes.

Design

Umbrella review of existing Systematic review and meta-analyses.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Liberally databases of Systematic review and meta-analyses, and hand searching the reference lists of eligible publications.

Results

The search identified nine studies and 20 mental health outcomes from 1251 studies. Evidence shows that bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvement in areas such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders (including binge-eating disorder), and there is a significant harmful association with suicide, self-harm and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Among them, the most studied outcome is depression (4 articles). High-quality evidence proves that the score of depressive symptoms can be significantly improved after bariatric surgery within a two-year follow-up period and is not affected by the follow-up time. Low-quality evidence shows that bariatric surgery can significantly reduce depressive symptoms regardless of age and BMI, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.49. Regardless of the postoperative BMI, the anxiety symptoms of women over 40 still decreased significantly, with an OR of 0.58. Regardless of the type of surgery, surgery can significantly reduce the incidence of eating disorders and symptoms. However, there is no obvious change in the follow-up time of AUD in the first two years after bariatric surgery, and the risk increases obviously in the third year, with an OR of 1.825. The evidence of moderate research shows that the risk of suicide and self-harm increases after bariatric surgery. The odds ratios in the same population and the control group were 1.9 and 3.8 times, respectively.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery is beneficial for improving most mental health-related outcomes. However, we should be cautious about the increased risk of adverse mental health after surgery, such as suicide, self-harm, and AUD.

Bariatric surgery outcomes in patients with bipolar or schizoaffective disorders

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with many co-morbidities and can cause harm to physical and mental well-being. While much has been studied in the general population about the outcomes of bariatric surgery, its implications in patients with bipolar/schizoaffective disorder (BSD) are less well understood.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to describe outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with BSD.

SETTING

Referral center for bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review analysis of bariatric surgical procedures in patients with BSD between 2008 and 2021 at Mayo Clinic. Patients with BSD (cases) were matched via propensity score matching (1:2) with non-BSD controls based on surgical procedure, age, sex, body mass index, and type 2 diabetes. Hierarchical logistic regression model was performed using SAS software.

RESULTS

We matched 71 patients with BSD with 142 controls in a 1:2 ratio. After adjusting for baseline preoperative weight, patients with BSD had a 3.4% greater total weight loss compared with controls over 24 months (P = .02 [95% CI, .65-6.08]). Remission in obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and sleep apnea, was similar in both groups. Perioperative complication rates were similar other than deep venous thrombosis, which showed a higher rate in patients with BSD (P = .04). Patients with long-term BSD were at increased risk of alcohol use compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with the general bariatric population, weight loss was similar to slightly improved, with a comparable risk and complication profile. Patients with BSD have increased alcohol use after bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for psychological care before and after surgery in this population.

Towards precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial and chronic disease. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment intervention for obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, weight loss after surgery can be highly heterogeneous and is not entirely predictable, particularly in the long-term after intervention. In this review, we present and discuss the available data on patient-related and procedure-related factors that were previously appointed as putative predictors of bariatric surgery outcomes. In addition, we present a critical appraisal of the available evidence on which factors could be taken into account when recommending and deciding which bariatric procedure to perform. Several patient-related features were identified as having a potential impact on weight loss after bariatric surgery, including age, gender, anthropometrics, obesity co-morbidities, eating behavior, genetic background, circulating biomarkers (microRNAs, metabolites and hormones), psychological and socioeconomic factors. However, none of these factors are sufficiently robust to be used as predictive factors. Overall, there is no doubt that before we long for precision medicine, there is the unmet need for a better understanding of the socio-biological drivers of weight gain, weight loss failure and weight-regain after bariatric interventions. Machine learning models targeting preoperative factors and effectiveness measurements of specific bariatric surgery interventions, would enable a more precise identification of the causal links between determinants of weight gain and weight loss. Artificial intelligence algorithms to be used in clinical practice to predict the response to bariatric surgery interventions could then be created, which would ultimately allow to move forward into precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription.

Psychopathological profile before and after bariatric surgery

Presurgical psychopathological assessment usually focuses on detecting severe mental disorders. However, mild intensity psychopathology and eating behaviour pattern may also influence postsurgical outcomes. The aim was to identify psychopathology and eating behaviour pattern in candidates prepared for bariatric surgery compared to a normative population before and after surgery. A cohort of 32 patients seeking bariatric surgery in a university hospital between March 2016 and March 2017 were evaluated with Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), 36-item EDE-Q and BES before and after surgery. Thirty-two patients before and 26 one year after surgery were included. The PAI presurgical psychometric profile suggested a mild mixed adjustment disorder focused on somatic complaints. After surgery, patients improved in somatic complaints (p < 0.001), and depression (p = 0.04). Related eating disorders were more common than those of the normative group and improved significantly after surgery in scores for compulsive intake (BES p < 0.001) and overall key behaviours of eating disorders and related cognitive symptoms (EDE-Q/G p < 0.001). In our cohort ready for bariatric surgery a mild psychopathological profile is still present and becomes closer to that of the normative group after surgery. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of mild psychopathology on outcomes after bariatric surgery.

Psychiatric comorbidity as a prospective predictor of long-term weight and psychosocial outcomes after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVES

Psychiatric comorbidity is common among the bariatric population although the prognostic significance of psychiatric comorbidity on outcomes is uncertain. This prospective study examined differences in weight and psychosocial functioning outcomes based on lifetime and current (post-surgical) psychiatric comorbidity.

METHODS

Participants were 140 adults in a RCT for loss-of-control (LOC)-eating approximately six months post-bariatric surgery. Two structured interviews were administered: the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version (EDE-BSV) to assess LOC-eating and eating-disorder psychopathology, and the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to assess lifetime and current (post-surgical) psychiatric disorders. The EDE-BSV and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were repeated at post-treatment and 24-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

Lifetime (75.7%) and current/post-surgical (25%) psychiatric diagnoses were common. Groups with and without psychiatric comorbidity did not differ significantly in weight loss outcomes at any timepoint but psychiatric comorbidity was associated significantly with greater LOC-eating, eating-disorder psychopathology, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Among participants with LOC-eating post-bariatric surgery, lifetime and post-surgical psychiatric comorbidity was not associated with acute or longer-term weight outcomes but predicted poorer psychosocial functioning. Findings challenge prevailing views that psychiatric comorbidity is related to poorer longer-term weight outcomes following bariatric surgery but highlight its clinical significance as it is associated with broad psychosocial difficulties.

Mental health outcomes in revisional versus primary bariatric surgery patients: A matched case control study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether depression and anxiety symptoms differ between revisional bariatric surgery patients and primary bariatric surgery patients, as such mental health outcomes can have long-lasting impacts on weight loss and the overall success of bariatric surgery.

METHODS

An exploratory matched case control study was performed with a total of 50 patients - 25 patients who had received revisional surgery and 25 who had received primary bariatric surgery. Revisional patients were matched with primary patients on sex, age (±7 years), pre-operative BMI (±8.0) and time since surgery. Mental health outcomes of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item scale (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale (GAD-7) respectively, were compared between groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the revisional and primary bariatric surgery groups across time (pre-surgery, 1-year post-surgery, 2-year post-surgery and 3-years post-surgery) for GAD-7 (f = 0.045, p = 0.987) and PHQ-9 (f = 0.277, p = 0.842) scores.

CONCLUSION

Primary and revisional bariatric surgery patients do not have significant differences in depressive and anxiety scores. Revisional bariatric surgery can thus be effective in the remission of comorbid mental health conditions as trajectories remain comparable up to 3-years following surgery.

Bariatric Surgery and Psychological Health: A Randomised Clinical Trial in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE

This study investigated the impact of either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with silastic ring (SR-RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) types of bariatric surgery on psychological health and explored the role of pre-existing depressive symptoms on weight loss.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 114 participants with obesity and type 2 diabetes were randomized to receive SR-RYGB or SG at a single centre. Data from the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), RAND 36-item Health Survey and body weight were collected before surgery and annually for 5 years.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients were lost to follow-up at 5 years. Of the 98 patients who completed 5-year psychological follow-up assessments, 13 had mild to severe depressive symptoms (SR-RYGB n = 6, SG n = 7). SR-RYGB and SG resulted in similar psychological health improvement but percent weight loss at 5 years was greater for SR-RYGB by 10.6% (95% CI: 7.2 to 14.0, P < 0.0001). Scores for depressive symptoms and most RAND-36 domains improved significantly from baseline to 5 years in both groups. Patients with pre-existing depressive symptoms had similar percent weight loss at 5 years compared to patients without depressive symptoms, irrespective of procedural type.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving either SR-RYGB or SG had comparable psychosocial functioning, which was maintained to 5 years post-surgery. Pre-existing depressive symptoms did not affect weight loss achieved at 5 years. These findings confirm previous longitudinal studies demonstrating that bariatric surgery is generally associated with improved psychosocial functioning.

Postoperative Resting Metabolic Rate and Successful Weight Loss After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

OBJECTIVE

To analyze whether changes in RMR 6 months after RYGB could be a predictor of weight loss on late follow-up.

METHODS

Prospective study of 45 individuals submitted to RYGB in a university tertiary care hospital. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and RMR by indirect calorimetry before (T0), 6 (T1), and 36 months (T2) after surgery.

RESULTS

RMR/day was lower in T1 (1.552 ± 275 kcal/day) than in T0 (1734 ± 372 kcal/day; p < 0.001) with a return to similar values at T2 (1.795 ± 396 kcal/day; p < 0.001). In T0, there was no correlation between RMR/kg and body composition. In T1, there was a negative correlation between RMR and BW, BMI, and % FM, and a positive correlation with % FFM. The results in T2 were similar to T1. There was a significant increase in RMR/kg between T0, T1, and T2 (13.6 ± 2.2 kcal/kg, 16.9 ± 2.7 kcal/kg, and 19.9 ± 3.4 kcal/kg) in the total group and according to gender. Eighty percent of the patients who had increased RMR/kg ≥ 2 kcal at T1 achieved > 50% EWL in T2, particularly in women (odds ratio: 27.09, p < 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in RMR/kg after RYGB is a major factor related to a satisfactory % excess weight loss on late follow-up.

Obesity and renal disease: Benefits of bariatric surgery

The prevalence of obesity, a preventable and reversible condition with a high impact on health, continues to rise, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Severe overweight is well recognized as a risk factor for diabetes and hypertension, among other conditions, that may increase cardiovascular risk. Obesity has grown simultaneously with a rise in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease, and a pathophysiological link has been established, which explains its role in generating the conditions to facilitate the emergence and maximize the impact of the risk factors of chronic kidney disease and its progression to more advanced stages. Knowing the mechanisms involved and having different tools to reverse the overweight and its consequences, bariatric surgery has arisen as a useful and efficient method, complementary or alternative to others, such as lifestyle changes and/or pharmacotherapy. In a detailed review, the mechanisms involved in the renal consequences of obesity, the impact on risk factors, and the potential benefit of bariatric surgery at different stages of the disease and its progression are exposed and analyzed. Although the observational evidence supports the value of bariatric surgery as a renoprotective measure in individuals with obesity, diabetic or not, randomized studies are expected to establish evidence-based recommendations that demonstrate its positive risk-benefit balance as a complementary or alternative therapeutic tool.

Associations Between Physical Activity and Changes in Depressive Symptoms and Health-related Quality of Life Across 7 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of objectively-measured free-living physical activity (PA) with changes in depressive symptoms and mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over 7 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB).

BACKGROUND

The contributions of PA to improvements in mental and physical health after RYGB, independent of weight loss, are unclear.

METHODS

Adults undergoing RYGB in a US multi-center cohort study wore an activity monitor and completed the Beck depression inventory (BDI) and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) annually ≤7 years (N = 646; 78% female, median age 47 years, median body mass index 46kg/m 2 ). Linear mixed models estimated associations of quartiles of steps, sedentary behavior (SB), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), respectively, with pre-to-post-surgery changes in the BDI and SF-36 mental component summary and physical component summary scores, respectively, over 1-7 years post-surgery, with adjustment for sex, age, race, pre-surgerybody mass index, the respective pre-surgery score, treatment for depression (time-varying) and pre-to-post-surgery weight change (time-varying).

RESULTS

There were dose-response associations between steps, SB (inverse) and MVPA quartiles, respectively, with improvements in each score. Across follow-up, mean improvements in the BDI, Mental Component Summary and physical component summary scores, were 1.9 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-2.8], 3.1 (95% CI, 1.5-4.7), and 4.0 (95% CI, 2.7-5.4) points higher, respectively, in the highest versus lowest steps quartile.

CONCLUSION

Among adults who underwent RYGB, multiple objective PA measures were associated with decreases in depressive symptoms and improvements in mental and physical HRQoL throughout 7 years, independent of weight loss, indicating PA is a modifiable behavior to augment outcomes.

Examining weight bias before and/or after bariatric surgery: A systematic review

Research examining weight bias in the bariatric population, who may be at greater risk of weight stigma, is scarce. The present study aimed to systematically review the literature for quantitative evidence that explores the medical, psychosocial, and behavioral sequelae associated with experienced, internalized, and/or externalized weight bias in patients seeking or who have undergone bariatric surgery. Five databases were systematically searched for English peer-reviewed quantitative studies, which examined weight bias in a sample of individuals seeking or who had undergone bariatric surgery. Risk of bias was assessed. Twenty-nine studies were included, of which 13 examined internalized weight bias, 12 examined experienced weight bias, 4 examined both, and 0 examined externalized weight bias. Most studies were cross-sectional, and the results showed high risk of bias. The results suggested that both experienced and internalized weight bias were associated with a host of negative psychosocial, behavioral, and medical sequelae. The findings of this review underscore the need for more rigorous research to better understand the relationship between weight bias and bariatric surgery, particularly longitudinally. Future patients may benefit from research developing interventions for reducing weight bias prior to and following bariatric surgery in order to reduce the associated negative correlates and improve outcomes.

S157-a structured early intervention program in patients with predicted poor long-term outcome following bariatric surgery: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Early postoperative weight loss can be predictive of one-year outcomes. It is unclear if poor performers identified in the first post-operative month can have improvement in outcomes with additional support and education.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of a structured targeted support program for patients with lower-than-average early post-operative weight loss on 1-year outcomes.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized study of bariatric surgery patients who experienced less than 50th percentile excess body weight loss (%EWL) at 3 weeks. Subjects with EWL < 18% were randomized into two groups: an intervention (IV) arm or a control (NI, no intervention) arm. The IV arm was offered a program with 7-weekly behavioral support sessions, while the NI patients received routine post-operative care.

RESULTS

A total of 128 patients were randomized: 65 NI and 63 IV. In the IV group, 20 attended all sessions, 7 attended < 4, and 36 did not participate. There was no difference in baseline demographics, procedure type, or BMI. At 1 year, there was no difference in %EWL (ratio 0.993, 95% CI 0.873, 1.131), %EBMIL (ratio 0.997, 95% CI 0.875, 1.137), and %TWL (ratio 1.016, 95% CI 0.901, 1.146) between groups. A subgroup analysis including only the subjects who participated in all seven sessions showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Patients who present with suboptimal weight loss early after bariatric surgery do not experience a significant weight loss improvement with a structured behavioral support program. Importantly, despite being alerted to their poor early weight loss, patients demonstrated poor adherence to the proposed interventions.

Interrater reliability and internal consistency of the eating disorder examination in the longitudinal assessment of bariatric surgery study

BACKGROUND

Psychometric studies of eating disorder measures within bariatric surgery populations are limited.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the interrater reliability and internal consistency of the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) among patients before and after bariatric surgery.

SETTING

Three clinical centers of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery Research Consortium.

METHODS

The EDE-Bariatric Surgery Version was administered and audio-recorded by trained interviewers before and at annual assessments after bariatric surgery. Approximately 20% of interviews were randomly selected for rating by a second interviewer. Reliability of the original and brief EDE subscales was examined.

RESULTS

Interrater reliability of the EDE subscales ranged from .86-.97 for the original subscales and .83-.95 for brief subscales before surgery, and .90-.98 for the original subscales and .92-.97 for brief subscales after bariatric surgery. Interrater agreement (based on kappa) was almost perfect for overeating and binge-eating behaviors and substantial for loss-of-control eating before surgery. Similar interrater agreements (based on kappa) were observed after surgery for subjective overeating and binge-eating episodes. Internal consistency of the subscale and global scores was variable, ranging from .41-.97.

CONCLUSION

Findings provide support of the interrater reliability of the EDE, albeit with variable internal consistency, before and after bariatric surgery. Despite support for trained raters to reliably assess EDE constructs, variability in internal consistency suggests that further psychometric testing and rigorous scale development of disordered eating may be needed for the bariatric surgery population.

Nonnormative Eating Behaviors and Eating Disorders and Their Associations With Weight Loss and Quality of Life During 6 Years Following Obesity Surgery

IMPORTANCE

Individuals with severe obesity presenting for obesity surgery (OS) frequently show nonnormative eating behaviors (NEBs) and eating disorders (EDs), but the long-term course and prospective associations with weight loss and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence and prospective relevance of presurgical and postsurgical NEBs and EDs according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, diagnosed through clinical interview, for weight loss and HRQOL up to 6 years following OS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In the prospective, multicenter Psychosocial Registry for Obesity Surgery cohort study, patients seeking OS were recruited at 6 OS centers in Germany and assessed at baseline before surgery and at 6 months and 1 to 6 years after surgery. From a consecutive sample of 1040 volunteers with planned OS from March 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020, a total of 748 (71.92%) were included in this study. Across follow-up, 93 of the 748 patients (12.43%) dropped out. Data were analyzed from April to November 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Both NEBs and EDs were identified using the Eating Disorder Examination interview. Main outcomes were the percentage of total body weight loss (%TBWL) and HRQOL (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite; range, 0-100, with 0 indicating worst and 100 indicating best).

RESULTS

In 748 patients undergoing OS (mean [SD] age, 46.26 [11.44] years; mean [SD] body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 48.38 [8.09]; 513 [68.58%] female), the mean (SD) %TBWL was 26.70% (9.61%), and the mean (SD) HRQOL improvement was 35.41 (20.63) percentage points across follow-up. Both NEBs and EDs were common before surgery, with postsurgical improvements of varying degrees. Whereas NEBs and EDs did not reveal significant prospective associations with %TBWL, loss-of-control eating at follow-up was concurrently associated with lower %TBWL (estimate, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.14 to -0.04). Loss-of-control eating (estimate, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.17 to -0.03 percentage points) and binge-eating disorder of low frequency and/or limited duration (estimate, -6.51; 95% CI, -12.69 to -0.34 percentage points) at follow-up showed significant prospective associations with lower HRQOL.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found prospective relevance of loss-of-control eating and binge-eating disorder of low frequency and/or limited duration for reduced long-term HRQOL following OS. These findings underline the importance of monitoring both NEBs, especially loss-of-control eating, and EDs in the long term postsurgically to identify patients in need of targeted prevention or psychotherapy.

Long-Term Trajectories in Weight and Health Outcomes Following Multidisciplinary Publicly Funded Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Clinically Severe Obesity (≥ 3 Associated Comorbidities): A Nine-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Australia

Background: Real-world data on long-term (> 5 years) weight loss and obesity-related complications after newer bariatric surgical procedures are currently limited. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the effectiveness and sustainability of bariatric surgery in a cohort with clinically severe obesity in a multidisciplinary publicly funded service in two teaching hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Methods: Patients were adults with complex clinically severe obesity with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 and at least three significant obesity-related comorbidities, who underwent bariatric surgeries between 2009 and 2017. Detailed obesity-related health outcomes were reported from annual clinical data and assessments for up to 9 years of follow-up. Data were also linked with the national joint replacement registry. Results: A total of 65 eligible patients were included (mean, 7; range, 3−12 significant obesity-related comorbidities); 53.8% female; age 54.2 ± 11.2 years, with baseline BMI 52.2 ± 12.5 kg/m2 and weight 149.2 ± 45.5 kg. Most underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (80.0%), followed by laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (10.8%) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (9.2%). Substantial weight loss was maintained over 9 years of follow-up (p < 0.001 versus baseline). Significant total weight loss (%TWL ± SE) was observed (13.2 ± 2.3%) following an initial 1-year preoperative intensive lifestyle intervention, and ranged from 26.5 ± 2.3% to 33.0 ± 2.0% between 1 and 8 years following surgery. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), osteoarthritis-related joint pain and depression/severe anxiety were the most common metabolic, mechanical and mental health comorbidities, with a baseline prevalence of 81.5%, 75.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Clinically significant composite cumulative rates of remission and improvement occurred in T2DM (50.0−82.0%) and hypertension (73.7−82.9%) across 6 years. Dependence on continuous positive airway pressure treatment in patients with sleep-disordered breathing fell significantly from 63.1% to 41.2% in 6 years. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery using an intensive multidisciplinary approach led to significant long-term weight loss and improvement in obesity-related comorbidities among the population with clinically complex obesity. These findings have important implications in clinical care for the management of the highest severity of obesity and its medical consequences. Major challenges associated with successful outcomes of bariatric surgery in highly complex patients include improving mental health in the long run and reducing postoperative opioid use. Long-term follow-up with a higher volume of patients is needed in publicly funded bariatric surgery services to better monitor patient outcomes, enhance clinical data comparison between services, and improve multidisciplinary care delivery.

Correlation between Anxiety Symptoms and Perception of Quality of Life in Women with More Than 24 Months after Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Purpose: To analyze the correlation between anxiety symptoms and perceived quality of life in women more than 24 months after undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out with women who underwent bariatric surgery after at least 24 months. To assess the level of anxiety symptoms, the Beck Inventory was used and to assess the perception of quality of life, the Item Short Form Healthy Survey was applied. Results: Of the 50 participants, 36.0% had reports indicative of moderate symptoms and 64.0% had severe symptoms of anxiety. The domains of quality of life that correlated with better perception were pain (p < 0.001), functional capacity (p = 0.013), general health status (p = 0.018), social aspects (p < 0.001), and mental health (p < 0.001). In linear regression, a significant inverse correlation was found between the general emotional component of quality of life and anxiety score (β = −0.546; CI −1.419; −0.559; p < 0.001) and between the general physical component of quality of life and anxiety score (β = −0.339; CI −0.899; −0.131; p = 0.010), both independent of weight regain and surgery time. Conclusions: It was observed that moderate to severe anxiety symptoms seem to interfere with the perception of quality of life, regardless of weight regain and surgery time.

Factors associated with quality of life and weight regain 12 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Scarce evidence exists in the literature about the factors influencing the long-term quality of life (QoL) and weight regain (WR) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The aim of the present study was to investigate factors associated with WR and QoL, measured by obesity specific Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire II (M-A QoLQ II), 12 years after RYGB.

METHODS

This prospective longitudinal cohort study included 74 patients with obesity who had RYGB at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences hospital Surgery department in 2005. Gastrointestinal and dumping symptoms, hypoglycemia, depression and anxiety disorders, hunger, satiety after meals, portion size, and grazing were assessed in the patients who agreed to participate in the study. General linear models were constructed to estimate the effect of variables on the WR and QoL.

RESULTS

12-year follow-up data were available for 50 patients (38 female, median body mass index (BMI) before surgery 42.4). The mean % excess BMI loss (%EBMIL) after 12 years was 63.1 (24.6) and the average %WR was 32.2 (19.4). The mean M-A QoLQ II score was 1.44 (1.3). Majority of the patients (76.6%) reported good or very good QoL. In multivariable analysis, only grazing (17.41% 95% CI 7.61-27.21; P = 0.001) was found to be a significant independent factor associated with WR. Factors independently associated with worse QoL were grazing (- 0.97 95% CI - 1.72, - 0.22; P = 0.013) and frequency of abdominal pain once or more per month (- 1.82 95% CI - 2.79, - 0.85; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

12 years after RYGB majority of the patients report good or very good QoL and despite some WR have achieved and maintained significant weight loss. Grazing was associated with both WR and worse QoL, while the frequency of abdominal pain once or more per month was associated with only decreased QoL.

Appetite Changes in Weight Regain and Weight Maintenance After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

PURPOSE

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery produces significant weight loss. However, a number of patients experience weight regain years after surgery. Factors driving weight regain after surgical interventions are currently being explored. Our objective was to investigate appetite-related measures associated with weight regain after RYGB surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, 29 participants (49.6 ± 9.1 years of age; current BMI 32.4 ± 4.7 kg/m², 43.6 ± 8.9 months post-RYGB) were stratified into tertiles according to weight regain per month after nadir (weight maintenance (WM), n = 9; low weight regain (LWR), n = 10; and high weight regain (HWR), n = 10). The average weight regain was, by design, significantly different between the groups (WM = 2.2 ± 2.5 kg; LWR = 10.0 ± 3.4 kg; HWR = 14.9 ± 6.3 kg regained, p < 0.05). Appetite (visual analog scales), olfactory performance ("sniffin sticks"), eating behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire), food reward (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire), and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, PYY, GLP-1 and leptin) were measured fasting and in response to a standardized test meal.

RESULTS

Dietary restraint was significantly higher than clinical cutoffs in WM and LWR (p < 0.05). As expected, significant time effects were noted for ghrelin, PYY, and GLP-1, but there were no group differences.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that appetite-related outcomes are similar across individuals who have maintained weight loss and experienced regain following RYGB.

Longitudinal patterns of comorbidity between anxiety, depression and binge eating symptoms among patients with obesity: A path analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression, anxiety, and binge eating are common psychiatric symptoms among people with obesity. Although many studies seek to understand the mechanisms of association between these psychiatric symptoms, there is no still consensus about the longitudinal association.

METHODS

155 patients (124 women) were recruited from a university-based bariatric center and evaluated over three waves (T0-T1-T2). In the last period the sample comprised 126 (104 women) participants. Trained clinicians assessed psychiatric symptoms by telephone interview using measurement scales. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was applied to investigate the path effects between anxiety, depression and binge eating symptoms over time.

RESULTS

The results of path coefficients (β) showed that the effect of anxiety on depression was constantly significant in all periods T0 (β = 0.74), T1 (β = 0.71), and T2 (β = 0.67). Anxiety had an effect on binge eating in T0 (β = 0.39) and T2 (β = 0.26) but not in T1. Binge eating affected depressive symptoms only in T2 (β = 0.22). Two carry-over-effects were significant binge eating in T0-T1 (β = 0.41) and T1-T2 (β = 0.19).

LIMITATIONS

Telephone interviews, social isolation due to the pandemic and the social desirability may have contributed to collection and information biases.

CONCLUSION

Anxiety has significant path effects on depression and binge eating. Binge eating was shown to be the most unstable symptom over time. The time factor seems to contribute to path effects between the psychiatric symptoms. The results draw attention to the fact that psychiatric symptoms must be evaluated and treated in association with each other, and investigated over time.

Bariatric surgery alleviates depression in obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

With the rapid increase in the incidence of depression, there have been studies investigating whether bariatric surgery can alleviate this condition. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of bariatric surgery on depression in obese patients.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases for studies on bariatric surgery and depression. Then, the clinical significance of bariatric surgery on depression was evaluated based on Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) or Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Subgroup analysis was carried out in terms of surgery types, assessment tool, follow-up time and nationalism. Dichotomous data were analyzed using odds ratio (OR), and continuous data were evaluated using the weighted mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD).

RESULTS

Overall, 33 studies with a combined total of 12,556 participants met the inclusion criteria. Statistical results were significantly different whether continuous or dichotomous, and depression was improved in obese patients after surgery (SMD = -0.87, p < 0.001; and OR = 0.29, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that bariatric surgery improved depression in obese patients regardless of surgery types, assessment tool, follow-up and country.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery alleviates depression in obese patients. However, further studies are needed to elucidate on the complex effect of between bariatric surgery on depression.

Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: a Special Risk Group for Lifestyle, Emotional and Behavioral Adaptations During the COVID-19 Lockdown. Lessons from the First Wave

Objectives

To determine how the COVID-19 lockdown influenced the lifestyle, eating behavior, use of substances, mental health, and weight in patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) and explore the self-perception of one’s own health and fears related to COVID-19.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional exploratory study in obesity patients who had undergone BS surgery > 1 year previously in a university hospital. Assessment was performed 40 days after initiating lockdown and included 2 periods: from April 24 until May 8 and during the initial de-escalation period: from May 9 until 22, 2020. A structured telephone interview and an online survey were administered.

Results

One hundred eighty-eight patients were interviewed; 156 also responded to the online survey (77% females, mean age 53.46 ± 10.48 years, mean follow-up 5.71 ± 4.30 years). Dietary habits were affected in 72% of the participants, with 15% reporting better diet planning; 83.5% reported having more sedentary behaviors; 27% and 36% showed depression and anxiety, respectively; and 45% of participants reported bad sleep quality. In relation to changes in the use of any substance, the use increased in the majority of patients who were previously users. Self-perception of one’s own health and fears related to COVID-19 were only moderate. Finally, emotional eating and time since BS were statistically significant risk factors for predicting weight gain.

Conclusions

Lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic negatively influenced the lifestyle, mental health, substance use, and weight in BS patients. These alterations were somewhat similar to those observed in the general population but more severe and with important clinical implications.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11695-021-05792-1.

Assessing psychopathology in bariatric surgery candidates: discriminant validity of the SCL-90-R and SCL-K-9 in a large sample of patients

PURPOSE

Pre-surgical psychosocial evaluation of bariatric surgery (BS) patients should identify psychiatric issues that could worsen after surgery and those requiring additional ongoing intervention. In this view, the use of reliable, appropriate and concise evaluating instruments is of critical importance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical utility of both the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and its brief unidimensional version, the so-called Symptom-Checklist-K-9 (SCL-K-9) in detecting the presence of psychiatric disorders among bariatric surgery (BS) candidates.

METHODS

Seven-hundred-and-ninety-eight BS candidates (563 women and 235 men; mean age: 44.15 ± 11.45) were enrolled in the present study. All participants underwent a full psychiatric interview and were administered the SCL-90-R.

RESULTS

Three-hundred-and-sixty-two patients (45.4%) met the criteria for a diagnosis of at least one psychiatric disorder and ninety-nine patients (12.4%) had psychiatric comorbidities. In the current sample, 219 patients (27.4%) met the criteria for binge eating disorders (BED), 158 (19.8%) met the criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), and 67 (8.4%) met both criteria. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves procedure showed that both the SCL-90-R and the SCL-K-9 satisfactorily categorize patients with any psychiatric disorder, both BED and MDD (area under the ROC curve ≥ 0.70, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the SCL-90-R and the SCL-K-9 may represent first-level screening tests identifying at-risk patients, eligible for a more expensive or time-consuming clinical assessment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, cross-sectional, descriptive study.

Understanding bariatric patients' experiences of self-management post-surgery: A qualitative study

Although most bariatric patients achieve significant weight loss and improvements in both physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the short-term, there is wide variability in weight and long-term HRQoL outcomes. The role of bariatric patients' self-management style in explaining variability in long-term outcomes is unclear. This qualitative study examined bariatric patients' self-management experiences after bariatric surgery in relation to long-term outcomes. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews with post-surgery patients (n = 23) at a Canadian bariatric surgery program. A constant comparative approach was used to systematically analyse the data and identify overarching themes. Variation in patients' experiences and follow-up time were the two primary units of analysis. Patients were predominantly female (n = 19; 82.6%) and had a mean age of 50 ± 8.49 years. The median time post-surgery was 2 years (range: 6 months-7 years). Three distinct phases described the process of self-management post-bariatric surgery: (1) rediscovering self-esteem and confidence in one's ability to self-manage (1-month to 1.5-years post-surgery), (2) achieving weight maintenance and addressing emotion dysregulation (1.5-3-years post-surgery) and (3) embracing a flexible balanced lifestyle (beyond 3-years). Bariatric surgery patients experience distinct challenges relative to their post-surgery time course. Facilitating access to interprofessional bariatric care after surgery allowed patients to acquire the self-management knowledge and skills necessary to address challenges to following the bariatric guidelines in the long-term.

Potential gut-brain mechanisms behind adverse mental health outcomes of bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery induces sustained weight loss and metabolic benefits via notable effects on the gut-brain axis that lead to alterations in the neuroendocrine regulation of appetite and glycaemia. However, in a subset of patients, bariatric surgery is associated with adverse effects on mental health, including increased risk of suicide or self-harm as well as the emergence of depression and substance use disorders. The contributing factors behind these adverse effects are not well understood. Accumulating evidence indicates that there are important links between gut-derived hormones, microbial and bile acid profiles, and disorders of mood and substance use, which warrant further exploration in the context of changes in gut-brain signalling after bariatric surgery. Understanding the basis of these adverse effects is essential in order to optimize the health and well-being of people undergoing treatment for obesity.

No addiction transfer from preoperative food addiction to other addictive behaviors during the first year after bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the remission of preoperative food addiction is associated with increases or new onset of other addictions within the first year following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five bariatric surgery patients were assessed before surgery (t1) and at 6 months (t2) and 1 year (t3) follow-ups. The assessments included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and standardized questionnaires to measure symptoms of problematic alcohol use, gambling disorder, internet-use disorder, buying-shopping disorder, hypersexual disorder and exercise dependence.

RESULTS

Forty-nine (39.2%) patients were assigned to the food addiction (FA⁺ ) and 76 patients (60.8%) to the non-food addiction group (FA^- ) based on their preoperative YFAS scores. Overall, BMI and symptoms of food addiction decreased significantly from baseline to follow-ups. Preoperative food addiction status was not associated with postoperative increases or new onset of other addictions. Elevated symptoms of buying-shopping disorder, internet-use and hypersexual behaviour at baseline in the FA⁺ -group decreased over time and were comparable to the FA^- -group at follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

The 'addiction transfer' or 'cross addiction' hypothesis was not supportive for alcohol addiction, gambling addiction or other behaviours that may be addictive. Further studies are needed that investigate larger samples and longer observation periods, as well as other substance-use disorders.

The Development of Feeding and Eating Disorders after Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Patients in the postoperative period following bariatric surgery are at risk of developing eating disorders. This study aims to analyze the relation between bariatric surgery and the development and recurrence of eating disorders. Material and methods: A literature review was carried out on 15 November 2020. Fourteen studies that met the eligibility criteria were included for qualitative synthesis, and 7 studies for meta-analysis. Results: The prevalence of eating disorders in the postoperative period was 7.83%, based on the 7 studies in the meta-analysis. Binge eating disorder alone was 3.81%, which was the most significant factor, and addressed in 6 of these studies. Conclusion: The investigated studies have significant methodological limitations in assessing the relation between bariatric surgery and eating disorders, since they mostly present data on prevalence. PROSPERO CRD42019135614.

Increased Cardiopulmonary Fitness Is Associated with a Greater Reduction in Depression among People Who Underwent Bariatric Surgery

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of changes in cardiopulmonary fitness on the mental health of patients with severe obesity who underwent gastric bypass surgery (prior to and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery). Study participants were recruited from among patients of a regional hospital in Czechia who underwent gastric bypass surgery between April 2018 and October 2019. They were eligible if they (a) were between 18 and 65 years old, (b) provided written informed consent, and (c) were able to walk independently. Twenty-six patients (age 45.4 ± 9.0 years, body mass index 45.1 ± 7.4 kg·m⁻², body fat 43.8 ± 4.8%) were included in the analysis. The key finding revealed that the greater the increase in cardiopulmonary fitness (i.e., longer distance walked in the six-minute walk test, 6MWT), the better the improvement in depression score among patients who underwent bariatric surgery. In particular, increments of 10 m in the 6MWT lead to the improvement of 0.5 points on the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. As the main implication, these results suggest that patients should participate in exercise training programs to increase their fitness status for optimal physical and mental outcomes of bariatric surgery.

Patients' views of long-term results of bariatric surgery for super-obesity: sustained effects, but continuing struggles

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is a standard treatment for severe obesity, but little is known about patients' perceptions about the long-term impact of such surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore patients' experiences of living with a bariatric procedure for more than a decade.

SETTING

University hospital.

METHODS

At the 10-year follow-up after undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), 18 consecutive patients from a previous randomized controlled trial were assessed with a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

When asked to reflect broadly on their experiences of living with bariatric surgery for over a decade, the participants rarely mentioned procedure-specific issues and complications. Instead, their accounts revealed 2 broad themes: sustained effects after surgery, incorporating subthemes of better health, brighter futures, and better eating and weight regulation, and continuing struggles, including difficulties with physical activity, finding support, helping their children with overweight, and self-criticism. Many positive changes were sustained, but continuing personal struggles were similar to those presurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants expressed overall satisfaction with their bariatric surgery and related outcomes. Most participants acknowledged a continued effect on their appetite, which could be important information for patients who worry about a diminished effect after the first year postsurgery. Participants were prone to self-blame when things did not turn out the way they wanted. Therefore, healthcare providers must build a trustful relationship with their patients, so they will not hesitate to return when they face problems such as weight gain.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder are associated with lower bariatric surgery completion rates and higher food addiction

BACKGROUND

Bipolar disorder (BP) is highly comorbid with obesity, however, little is known about how BP might be associated with bariatric surgery outcomes.

METHODS

In this retrospective clinical cohort study, 1034 patients completed a psychological evaluation, and screening positive for possible BP was defined as a score ≥7 and moderate disability on the Mood Disorders Questionnaire. Food addiction (FA), subthreshold binge eating disorder (BED), and illegal drug use were also assessed using standardized questionnaires.

RESULTS

The 54 (5.2%) patients screening positive for BP were less likely to have bariatric surgery compared to 980 (94.8%) patients who screened negative for BP (5 patients or 9.3% vs 273 patients, or 27.9%). Patients with possible BP also had significantly higher prevalence of FA (37% vs 13.2%), subthreshold BED (29.6% vs 8.3%) and illegal drug use (7.4% vs 2.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective clinical cohort study, patients who screened positive for BP had a higher prevalence of food addiction, subthreshold binge eating disorder and recent illegal drug use. They also demonstrated lower completion rates for having bariatric surgery. Clearly, more needs to be learned about how to help patients with symptoms of bipolar disorder manage their obesity and behavioral challenges.

Trajectories of depressive symptoms and relationships with weight loss in the seven years after bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION

While depression generally improves after bariatric surgery, less is known regarding heterogeneity in long-term symptom change. Given that depressive symptoms have been associated with weight change following bariatric surgery, identifying and characterizing subgroups with more severe depressive symptoms may have prognostic utility for understanding post-surgical weight loss. This study sought to characterize patterns of change in depressive symptoms and evaluate associations with weight loss in the seven years following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

Participants were 2308 patients who underwent bariatric surgery as part of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery-2 (LABS-2) study. Depressive symptoms (measured by the Beck Depression Inventory) and weight were assessed annually following surgery.

RESULTS

A group-based trajectory model identified six subgroups that evidenced distinct patterns of change in depressive symptoms, with the majority (87.0%) exhibiting stable low to average levels. Generalized linear mixed models indicated trajectory groups differed in percent total weight loss (%TWL), with trajectories characterized by initial decreases in depressive symptoms over the first two years (5.2% of participants) experiencing the highest %TWL (20.7% vs. 14.9-18.4% in the other trajectories at 7 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate meaningful heterogeneity in the pattern of changes in depressive symptoms after surgery. While most patients experience relatively low stable levels of depressive symptoms, those who have initial symptom improvement demonstrate the greatest magnitude of weight loss. Further research is necessary to explore the directionality of this association and the time-varying mechanisms by which depression and weight may mutually influence each other.

Does Bariatric Binge-Eating Size Matter? Conceptual Model and Empirical Support

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery affects the quantity of food individuals can eat, yet some individuals still experience loss of control (LOC) while eating. This cross-sectional study examined a new classification system for binge/LOC eating following bariatric surgery.

METHODS

A total of 168 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery 6 months earlier and reported LOC eating were administered the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version interview and self-report measures of depressive symptoms, functional impairment, and physical and mental health-related quality of life. Three groups were created based on the largest LOC-eating episode determined by the Eating Disorder Examination-Bariatric Surgery Version interview as follows: (1) "traditional" objective binge-eating episodes, defined as eating unusually large quantities of food while having LOC; (2) "bariatric-objective binge eating," meaning unusually large quantities for postsurgical bariatric patients with LOC; and (3) "bariatric-subjective binge eating," meaning small quantities of food with LOC after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 75% (n = 126) met criteria for the bariatric-objective binge episodes group, 10% (n = 17) met criteria for the traditional objective binge-eating group, and 15% (n = 25) met criteria for the bariatric-subjective binge episodes group. The three groups differed significantly, with a graded pattern by binge size, in global eating-disorder psychopathology, depressive symptoms, and functional impairment but not quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide empirical support for a new classification system for bariatric binge/LOC eating. Binge size was associated with distinct psychopathology. Longitudinal follow-up is needed to ascertain effects on clinical outcomes.

Bariatric Surgery and Its Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients

Recent data have suggested that bariatric procedures, especially laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), are safe and effective weight loss measures in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). But most of the studies have looked at short-term outcomes, and there is a general lack of awareness of underlying disease processes and baseline comorbidities in IBD patients undergoing bariatric procedures. Postbariatric issues in IBD patients including diarrhea from dumping syndrome, choleretic diarrhea, a high prevalence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett's esophagus, stomal ulcerations, stenosis, and renal and gallstones can complicate the natural history of IBD. This could lead to unnecessary hospitalizations, change of medical therapy, and poor surgical and quality of life outcomes. In this review, we will discuss major complications after common bariatric procedures (SG, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and gastric banding) and suggest possible management strategies.

Psychiatric Management of Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Review of Psychopharmacological and Psychological Treatments and Their Impact on Postoperative Mental Health and Weight Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity; however, high rates of psychiatric comorbidity complicate bariatric surgery care. As a result, importance has been placed on the need for ongoing psychiatric support in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Given the lack of conclusive presurgery psychosocial predictors of postoperative mental health outcomes, studies have now shifted their focus to understand the long-term psychosocial sequalae that arise after surgery. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the potential for psychiatric care to stabilize psychiatric symptoms and minimize patient distress.

OBJECTIVE

To review psychopharmacological and psychological interventions for patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their impact on mental health and weight outcomes after surgery.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search in Ovid MEDLINE for studies examining the impact of psychopharmacological and psychological treatments on bariatric patients' postoperative mental health and weight outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 studies were included in the review. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychiatric medications do not negatively impact weight loss or health-related quality of life in the short term; however, more rigorous research designs are needed. There are insufficient data on specific psychiatric medications and long-term impact on weight loss and psychosocial outcomes. Postoperative psychological interventions have evidence for improving eating psychopathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; however, effects on weight loss remain unclear.

CONCLUSION

Evidence for psychopharmacological and psychological treatments remains preliminary. Consideration should be given to integrated, stepped-care models to provide personalized psychiatric interventions after surgery. Future research on expanding current psychiatric interventions, timing of delivery, and predictors of response is needed.

Mental Health in Bariatric Surgery: Selection, Access, and Outcomes

Severe obesity has many psychiatric consequences that can be influenced by bariatric surgery. The goal of this article is to review these challenges, including the mental health status of patients with severe obesity, the evaluation of surgical candidates, and the early and late effects of the operations, and to offer some recommendations to manage these challenges. The failure of the insurance-mandated preoperative psychosocial evaluation is also discussed.

Preoperative and post-operative psychosocial interventions for bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review

Psychosocial interventions are increasingly being utilized to help patients prepare for, and adjust to changes following, bariatric surgery in order to optimize psychosocial adjustment and weight loss. The current systematic review examined the impact of preoperative and post-operative psychosocial interventions with a behavioural and/or cognitive focus on weight, dietary behaviours, eating pathology, lifestyle behaviours, and psychological functioning. A PsycINFO and Medline search of publications was conducted in March 2019. Two authors assessed retrieved titles and abstracts to determine topic relevance and rated the quality of included studies using a validated checklist. Forty-four articles (representing 36 studies) met the study inclusion criteria. The current evidence is strongest for the impact of psychosocial interventions, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, on eating behaviours (eg, binge eating and emotional eating) and psychological functioning (eg, quality of life, depression, and anxiety). The evidence for the impact of psychosocial interventions on weight loss, dietary behaviours (eg, dietary intake), and lifestyle behaviours (eg, physical activity) is relatively weak and mixed. Psychosocial interventions can improve eating pathology and psychosocial functioning among bariatric patients, and the optimal time to initiate treatment appears to be early in the post-operative period before significant problematic eating behaviours and weight regain occur.

The Cards and Lottery Task: Validation of a New Paradigm Assessing Decision Making Under Risk in Individuals With Severe Obesity

BACKGROUND

A growing body of research demonstrated impaired executive functions in individuals with severe obesity, including increased sensitivity to reward and impulsive decision making under risk conditions. For the assessment of decision making in patients with severe obesity, studies widely used the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) or the Delay Discounting Task (DDT), which cover short-term or long-term consequences of decisions only. A further development originating from the field of addiction research is the Cards and Lottery Task (CLT), in which each decision made has conflicting immediate and long-term consequences at the same time. The present study aimed to validate the CLT in individuals with severe obesity.

METHODS

Patients with severe obesity (N = 78, 67% women, 42.9 ± 10.4 years old, body mass index of 48.1 ± 8.3 kg/m²) were included. Convergent validity was evaluated using the computerized Delay Discounting Task and well-established self-report questionnaires assessing different aspects of impulsivity. For discriminant validity, CLT performance was compared between symptom groups characterized by high versus low impulsivity. The task's clinical validity was evaluated based on associations with general and eating disorder psychopathology, and body mass index. Test-retest reliability was determined by administering the CLT in n = 31 participants without weight-loss treatment one year later. The task's sensitivity to change due to weight loss was evaluated by retesting n = 32 patients one year after receiving obesity surgery.

RESULTS

The number of advantageous decisions in the CLT was significantly positively associated with delay discounting and effortful control, and significantly negatively correlated with behavioral impulsivity. CLT performance differed significantly between individuals with and without symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and between samples with severe obesity and healthy controls. Clinically, CLT performance was significantly associated with general, but not eating disorder psychopathology. The CLT showed moderate test-retest reliability after one year in weight-stable individuals and was sensitive to change in those undergoing obesity surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified the CLT to be a highly promising, new complex measure of short- and long-term decision making with good reliability and validity in individuals with severe obesity. Future studies should assess its association with the IGT and predictive value for real-life health behavior.

Depression subtypes, binge eating, and weight loss in bariatric surgery candidates

BACKGROUND

Depression and binge eating disorder (BED) are prevalent among bariatric surgery candidates. Depression subtypes may be differentially related to obesity, such that the atypical subtype predicts poorer outcomes. However, no research has examined depression subtypes, BED, and weight loss in bariatric candidates.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether presurgical atypical depressive symptoms, compared with no depressive and melancholic depressive symptoms, were associated with higher rates of presurgical BED, binge eating severity, and poorer postsurgical weight loss trajectories among bariatric candidates.

SETTING

An outpatient Midwest bariatric clinic.

METHODS

Participants were 345 adults (aged 46.27 ± 12.78 yr, 76% female; body mass index = 49.84 ± 8.51 kg/m²) who received a presurgical evaluation. Depression subtypes (melancholic, atypical, and no depressive symptoms) were categorized using the Beck Depression Inventory-II. BED diagnosis and severity were evaluated using the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale and Binge Eating Scale, respectively. Weight loss trajectories were calculated as percent total weight loss postsurgery.

RESULTS

Using no depression as the referent, participants reporting melancholic symptoms (odds ratio = 7.60, P < .001 confidence interval₉₅ [2.59-22.28]) and atypical symptoms (odds ratio = 10.11, P < .01 confidence interval₉₅ [2.69-37.94]) were more likely to meet criteria for BED. Patients with atypical depressive symptoms exhibited the highest binge eating severity scores (mean = 23.03). Depression subtypes did not predict percent total weight loss trajectories within 18-months postbariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients reporting preoperative atypical depressive symptoms were more likely to meet criteria for co-morbid BED diagnosis and have greater binge eating severity but did not have poorer weight loss within 18 months postsurgery. Future studies with longer-term follow-up and corresponding measures of postsurgical depression and binge eating pathology are warranted.

Disordered eating after bariatric surgery: clinical aspects, impact on outcomes, and intervention strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are associated with poor weight outcomes following bariatric surgery. We describe DEBs most relevant to this population, their associations with weight outcomes, and emerging data on interventions for DEBs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Loss of control eating episodes and grazing have been the most well studied DEBs in bariatric samples. Although DEBs often remit after surgery even without targeted intervention, a subgroup of patients have persistent or newly developed DEBs postoperatively. Preoperative DEBs have little effect on weight outcomes, whereas preoperative impulse control-related features commonly associated with DEBs (e.g., inhibitory control) may have stronger predictive value. Postoperatively, DEBs appear to exert robust effects on concurrently measured weight. Postoperative interventions hold promise for optimizing treatment outcomes.

SUMMARY

We recommend the following to improve clinical care and move research forward: a common language for DEB constructs is needed to improve cross-talk among researchers and care providers; diagnostic schemes and assessment tools may require tailoring for the bariatric population; mechanisms underlying improvements in DEBs following surgery should be clarified; ongoing monitoring of DEBs in the postoperative period is warranted; and a stepped-care approach may improve weight outcomes in a cost-effective manner.

Eating Pathology After Bariatric Surgery: an Updated Review of the Recent Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this paper was to extend the prior literature on eating pathology following bariatric surgery by highlighting themes in data published over the past 3 years and identifying limitations and future directions for research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Changes in eating pathology after bariatric surgery remain consistent with previous research. Specifically, diagnostic prevalence rates and incidence of related behaviors generally decrease following surgery. However, some research supports that these factors increase and/or remit over time following surgery, and that they subsequently have a negative impact on weight loss outcomes. While recent findings have extended knowledge on eating pathology following bariatric surgery, the overall body of literature is still relatively limited. Additional research is needed, including work focusing on the standardization of eating pathology definitions, development/validation of standardized eating pathology instruments for bariatric surgery patients, and predictors of risk for continued or new onset eating pathology following surgery.

Revising the bariatric psychological evaluation to improve clinical and research utility

Although psychological evaluations are a routine component of the bariatric surgery process, the goals commonly identified for bariatric psychological evaluations have not been realized. This brief report describes a revised bariatric psychological evaluation designed to repurpose the evaluation towards more achievable and equally valuable goals. Changes include revisions to the evaluation contents and administration methods. The revised evaluation: (1) includes pre- and post-bariatric psychological assessments to capture important surgery-related changes in psychosocial status, physical functioning, and quality of life; (2) incorporates measures of functional capacity, treatment adherence, and patient-centered goals; (3) improves clinical utility by using the post-surgery assessment data to identify patients who may benefit from psychosocial interventions; (4) expands opportunities for bariatric psychology research.