[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.
Bölter
A F
AF
Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin, Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg A.ö.R., Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Deutschland. annette.boelter@med.ovgu.de
Rosenthal
A
A
Wolff
S
S
Franke
G H
GH
Frommer
J
J
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