Positive psychological impact of bariatric surgery.
BACKGROUND
Psychological impact of bariatric surgery has been described mostly in terms of reduction of psychopathology. This exploratory study examines the impact of bariatric surgery in terms of positive psychological growth and development.


METHODS
57 patients who underwent LAGB were recruited to this study; 31 patients (54.4%) completed a questionnaire battery 1 year or more following surgery. Positive impact was assessed using the posttraumatic growth questionnaire. Mental and physical health were assessed using the SF-36. Family support was assessed using the perceived family support questionnaire and weight loss measure was assessed using measured weight differences prior to and 1 year after surgery.


RESULTS
Positive impact was apparent in all dimensions including greater appreciation of life, increased sense of personal strength and improvement in relating to others. Positive impact appears to be independent of physical and mental health as well as of family social support.


CONCLUSIONS
Positive impact of bariatric surgery is a substantial outcome and should be examined further. Positive impact of bariatric surgery should be taken into account as a therapeutic tool in positive oriented psychological interventions following bariatric surgery.
Shiri
Shimon
S
Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Shimons3@post.tau.ac.il
Gurevich
Tamara
T
Feintuch
Uri
U
Beglaibter
Nahum
N
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015390:Gastric Bypass / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome