Can a brief assessment of social support predict outcomes after bariatric surgery?

Abstract

SummarySocial support is important to optimize bariatric surgery outcomes, but limited tools exist for brief and effective assessment preoperatively. The aims of the study were to determine the extent to which two ratings of social support can predict bariatric surgery outcomes, and to examine any associations between these two methods.In this retrospective study, patients were included for whom the Cleveland clinic behavioral rating system (CCBRS) and Flanagan quality of life scale (FQoLS) scores were obtained as part of their preoperative psychosocial evaluation. They were followed up for 6 to 24 months after bariatric surgery. Linear and logistic regressions were performed with patients' CCBRS and FQoLS scores as independent variables, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL), length of stay (LOS), complications, readmissions and loss to follow‐up as dependent variables. The prediction of CCBRS ratings from FQoLS social support items was also evaluated. A total of 415 patients were included in the analysis. There were significant associations between the CCBRS and three of the four relevant FQoLS self‐ratings. As CCBRS and FQoLS scores increased, complications decreased significantly. The CCBRS alone additionally predicted decreased length of hospital stay and approached significance for predicting decreased readmission rates. There were no associations between %EWL and behavior ratings. The degree of patients' social support is associated with important bariatric surgery outcomes. It is possible to obtain this valuable information via the administration of brief assessments prior to bariatric surgery.

Associations of daily weight management‐focused social support with weight loss, activity behaviors, and eating regulation in the context of metabolic and bariatric surgery

“…Further, many patients do not regularly attend MBS support groups suggesting that they seek and rely on other sources of social support (e.g., family and friends). 5 Research that has directly assessed PSS in MBS patients suggests that higher PSS levels are associated with a wide range of benefits including fewer surgical complications, greater weight loss, lower depression and disordered eating, and positive changes in PA. 5,[10][11][12][13] Conversely, both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that deficits in PSS contribute to smaller weight losses, reduced surgery satisfaction and feelings of loneliness, struggle, and self-blame during weight recurrence. 14,15 Despite growing evidence that higher PSS levels are associated with improved behavioral adherence, psychological health, and weight outcomes after MBS, the design and methodological limita- measured via accelerometry) and eating regulation (dietary restraint and disinhibition measured via EMA) behaviors on that day.…”

“…Research that has directly assessed PSS in MBS patients suggests that higher PSS levels are associated with a wide range of benefits including fewer surgical complications, greater weight loss, lower depression and disordered eating, and positive changes in PA. 5 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 Conversely, both quantitative and qualitative data suggest that deficits in PSS contribute to smaller weight losses, reduced surgery satisfaction and feelings of loneliness, struggle, and self‐blame during weight recurrence. 14 , 15 …”

Risk factors for extended length of stay and non-home discharge in adults treated with multi-level fusion for lumbar degenerative pathology and deformity

“…Few studies adequately stratify patients, often utilizing large-administrative databases without sufficiently discriminating between patient specific diagnosis and procedure [ 11 , 12 ]. Additionally, few studies in spine literature utilize social support, a predictive variable for complications that is extensively validated in other surgical specialties [ 13 , 14 ]. One tool used to capture social support is the Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT).…”