PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT TO SURGICALLY INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS: DISTINGUISHING FACTORS IN BARIATRIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is an effective tool to promote weight loss and reduction of co-morbidities associated with obesity. A battery of pre-operative tests and consultations are required to certify someone as a candidate for such surgery. Even though the patient may be prepared for physical change, they may not be fully prepared for the psychological, spiritual and social challenges that rapid weight loss presents. Based on Hermans' Dialogical Self Theory, this research introduces a series of questions to assess which patients may be having difficulty with psychological adaptation to their diminished weight. Based on these 25 questions, participants are clustered into predominately 'I-obese' or 'I-ex-obese' categories. Female participants who remain in an 'I-obese' psychological state, were found more likely to have body image concerns, view their health as strongly impacted by the influence of others and have difficulty identifying their feelings. In addition, they were significantly more likely to have lower health-related quality of life scores in vitality, social functioning and mental health.