title: Virtual reality for improving body image disorders and weight loss after gastric band surgery: a case series.
abstract: Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) is a common surgery method used to help obese patients to lose weight. However, even if LAGB is able to produce a durable and relevant weight loss, it is less effective in improving body image: as demonstrated by a recent study, obese patients with a body image disorder in the pre-operative stage continue to show this even 13 months after the operation. In this presentation we will discuss the possible role of virtual reality (VR) in addressing this problem within an integrated cognitive behavioral approach. To test this approach, a case series of three LAGB patient who experienced body dissatisfaction even after a &gt;30/40% excess body weight loss, is presented and discussed. At the end of the 6-week protocol the patients experienced a 15%-20% further reduction of their weight. This reduction was also matched by a general improvement of the psychological state. Both the weight loss and the level of well-being were further improved after a three-month follow-up.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Georgina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cárdenas-López
authors.affiliation: Obesity Surgery Clinic, Médica Sur Clinical Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Torres-Villalobos
authors.affiliation: Soluciones Virtuales Clinic, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Perla
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.affiliation: Soluciones Virtuales Clinic, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Carreño
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico.
authors.forename: Ximena
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Duran
authors.affiliation: Department of Humanistic Studies, Section of Psychology, University of Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dakanalis
authors.affiliation: ATN-P Lab., Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gaggioli
authors.affiliation: ATN-P Lab., Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Riva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000379:methods*; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D015431:Weight Loss