title: Psychosocial and behavioral aspects of bariatric surgery.
abstract: Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly popular treatment option for individuals with extreme obesity (defined as a BMI > or = 40 kg/m2) or those with less severe obesity accompanied by significant comorbidities. Sustained postoperative weight loss and improvements in obesity-related health problems make bariatric surgery the most effective treatment for this population. Nevertheless, most experts agree that psychosocial and behavioral factors contribute to successful postoperative outcomes. This paper reviews the literature on the preoperative psychosocial status, eating behaviors, and quality of life of patients who seek bariatric surgery. In addition, the paper examines studies that investigated changes in these factors postoperatively. The review concludes with an agenda for future research in this area.
authors.affiliation: Weight and Eating Disorders Program, 3535 Market Street, Suite 3022, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3309, USA. dsarwer@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Sarwer
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Wadden
authors.forename: Anthony N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Fabricatore
mesh_terms: D049088:Bariatrics; D001519:Behavior; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011584:Psychology; D011788:Quality of Life