The Objective of Psychological Evaluation in the Process of Qualifying Candidates for Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Psychosocial and behavioral variables play an important role in both the development and treatment of obesity. Therefore, in the process of qualifying the patient for bariatric surgery, it is necessary to professionally evaluate his/her psychological state. Such evaluation is very helpful in the identification of factors potentially disturbing the effectiveness of the treatment. Clinical interviews with a group of 80 patients were conducted by a psychologist in the pre- and post-surgical period. The qualitative analysis of the interviews led to the identification of the major elements which should become the object of psychological evaluation in the process of qualifying patients for bariatric surgery. Conducting a clinical interview comprising these elements allows one to evaluate their potential influence on the process of surgical treatment of obesity and to provide optimal psychological support for the patient before and after the surgery.

Adoption of Recommended Eating Behaviors Following Bariatric Surgery: Predicting Group Membership

“…Bariatric surgery is reported to be the most effective method for achieving dramatic, long-term weight loss and is only indicated for the morbidly obese (Bocchieri et al, 2002a;Dziurowicz-Kozlowska, Wierzbicki, Lisik, Wasiak, & Kosieradzki, 2006;Puzziferri, 2005;van Hout, Fortuin, Pelle, & van Heck, 2008). The morbidly obese includes persons who may be classified as having Class II obesity with significant physical comorbidities and Class III obesity (Bocchieri, Meana, & Fisher, 2002a;Larsen et al, 2003;Dziurowicz-Kozlowska et al, 2006;Shai, Henkin, Weitzman, & Levi, 2003;WHO, 2000). Individuals who elect to undergo bariatric surgery are required to make several lifestyle changes (e.g., dietary choices and eating habits) prior to surgery and are expected to maintain adherence to those changes following surgery in order to maximize and maintain weight losses initiated by the effects of the surgery (Alvarado et al, 2005;Mechanick et al, 2008).…”

“…BMI is greater than 40 as falling within class III obesity, which is also referred to as morbid obesity. Two goals of bariatric surgery are to induce dramatic reductions in an individual's weight, thereby lowering BMI, and resulting in prompt improvements in medical comorbidities (Bocchieri et al, 2002a;Dziurowicz-Kozlowska et al, 2006;Puzziferri, 2005;WHO, 2000). These goals are the focus of the majority of research regarding the success or failure of bariatric surgery.…”

Aspectos do acompanhamento psiquiátrico de pacientes obesos sob tratamento bariátrico: revisão

“…Tais resultados têm fomentado o emprego crescente desse método em escala mundial 62,63 . A melhora de sintomas depressivos e ansiosos após a intervenção é um dos aspectos mais documentados 4,64-66 .…”

Personality characteristics and bariatric surgery outcomes: a systematic review

“…As such, the severity of pathology would have been considered during clinical assessment for referral of patients for BS, since it interferes in patients' capacity for discernment, decision making, and compliance with guidance provided by the multidisciplinary team. 57,58 The importance of predictive studies of personality related to non-adaptive or risky eating behaviors and surgical complications should also be highlighted.…”