Paid work increases and state benefit claims decrease after bariatric surgery.
BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgery is a clinically effective treatment for obesity and has been shown to be cost-effective. The impact of bariatric surgery on the subsequent ability to work and the uptake of state-funded benefits is not well documented.


METHODS
A consecutive series of 79 patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were surveyed to assess changes in their ability to work and the number and type of state benefits claimed after surgery.


RESULTS
59 patients (75%) responded, median age 45, median follow-up 14 months. There was a 32% increase in the number of respondents in paid work after surgery (P<0.05). The mean weekly hours worked increased from 30.1 to 35.8 hours (P<0.01). Respondents also reported a decrease in obesity-related physical and emotional constraints on their ability to do work (P<0.01). Fewer patients claimed state benefits postoperatively (P<0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
More patients perform paid work after LRYGBP and LAGB than beforehand, and the number of weekly hours they work increases. After surgery, patients claim fewer state benefits.
Hawkins
Simon C
SC
Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset, UK.
Osborne
Alan
A
Finlay
Ian G
IG
Alagaratnam
Swethan
S
Edmond
Janet R
JR
Welbourn
Richard
R
D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018868:Insurance, Disability / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome