[Psychological factors related to gastric banding. Results of a follow-up study].
BACKGROUND
Obesity is a widespread illness in Western industrialized countries, causing a high financial burden for the health systems. Several studies could demonstrate the positive effects of bariatric surgery on psychological and psychosocial parameters.


METHODS
Twenty patients with morbid obesity (BMI > or =40 kg/m(2)) answered two questionnaires, the SCL-90-R, assessing psychological distress, and the IIP-D, measuring interpersonal problems, before and 6 months after gastric banding. Six months after surgery an additional questionnaire measuring subjective feelings was administered, too.


RESULTS
Seventy-five percent of the patients were dissatisfied with therapy and outcome. They reported a lack of psychological support as well as new surgery-related physical and psychological symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This study pointed out the necessity for psychotherapeutic help after surgery to manage already existing or new psychological needs due to gastric banding.
Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg A.ö.R., Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Deutschland. annette.boelter@med.ovgu.de
A F
AF
Bölter
A
A
Rosenthal
S
S
Wolff
G H
GH
Franke
J
J
Frommer
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015391:Gastroplasty / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome