Eating patterns and unhealthy weight control behaviors are associated with loss-of-control eating following bariatric surgery

Eating disorders among bariatric surgery patients

“…Overweight and obesity share common risk factors with eating disorders, and it is important for clinicians to understand that eating disorders may be prevalent among candidates for bariatric surgery. Preexisting eating disorders can complicate the postsurgical course and lead to poor surgical outcomes; however, barriers—including patient nondisclosure—stymie eating disorder identification during preoperative screening 5. Because nearly all clinicians perform a preoperative clinical examination, the examination can be used as an opportunity to improve eating disorder detection, and clinicians can use appropriate screening methods and improve the nature of their follow-up questions to enhance detection.…”

“…Complications can arise from postoperative disordered behaviors. 5 As discussed, postoperative eating disorders can result in surgical failure, less weight loss, and minimal reduction in metabolic health conditions. Additionally, those with eating disorders after bariatric surgery report lower quality of life scores.…”

“…Individuals can develop disordered eating behaviors that are unique to their anatomy after bariatric surgery. Table 2 describes these behaviors 5,31,33,34. Although most of these unique eating disorders do not appear in the DSM-5 , they generally can be categorized as an unspecified feeding or eating disorder (USFED).…”

“…Table 2 describes these behaviors. 5,31,33,34 Although most of these unique eating disorders do not appear in the DSM-5, they generally can be categorized as an unspecified feeding or eating disorder (USFED). Identification of these behaviors should prompt a referral to an eating disorder treatment facility for a level of care determination with an experienced eating disorder psychotherapist and registered dietitian.…”

“…increases postsurgical complications and unsuccessful or nondurable weight loss. [4][5][6] It is therefore critical for clinicians involved in pre-and postoperative care for bariatric surgery to identify these disordered behaviors among their patients.…”