Comparison Between Marital Satisfaction and Self-Esteem Before and After Bariatric Surgery in Patients With Obesity.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is one of the most common chronic diseases with important medical effects, as well as mental and social health problems. Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective treatments of morbid obesity.


OBJECTIVE
Because of the possible psychological changes, and its effects on weight loss after surgery, the current study aimed to compare marital satisfaction and self-confidence in patients with obesity before and after bariatric surgery in Rasoul-e-Akram hospital in 2013.


METHODS
This prospective observational study was conducted on 69 candidates for bariatric surgery. Marital satisfaction and self-confidence were assessed before and six months after the surgery by Enrich marital satisfaction scale and Coopersmith self-esteem inventory. Descriptive statistics and T-tests were utilized to analyze data. Values of P ≤ 0.01 were considered statistically significant.


RESULTS
Despite the improvement of sexual relationship, marital satisfaction scores significantly decreased from141.26 ± 12.75 to 139.42 ± 12.52 six months after the surgery (P = 0.002). Satisfaction in scales of conflict resolution and communication showed a descending pattern (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between self-esteem before and after the surgery (P = 0.321).


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss after bariatric surgery did not improve self-esteem and marital satisfaction six months post operatively; therefore, psychiatric assessment of patients before and after the surgery is crucial; since even if they are not associated with prognosis of the surgery, it is important to provide treatment for psychiatric problems. Prospective studies are recommended to assess post-operative changes of other psychological aspects.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Atefeh
A
Ghanbari Jolfaei
Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Tahereh
T
Lotfi
Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Abdolreza
A
Pazouki
Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Azadeh
A
Mazaheri Meybod
Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Fahimeh
F
Soheilipour
Minimally Invasive Surgery Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Fatemeh
F
Jesmi
Bariatric Surgery; Marital Satisfaction; Obesity; Self-Esteem