Physical and Psychological Problems among Patients Post Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is currently considered the most effective treatment option for morbid obesity; it results in greater improvements in weight loss outcomes and obesity related co-morbidities but there are several complications that can arise from weeks to years after bariatric surgery. Aim: this study aimed to assess physical and psychological problems among patients post bariatric surgery. Design: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at surgical unit and obesity clinic in Eldemerdash Hospital. Sample: Convenient sample of 177 patients was obtained from surgical unit and obesity clinic in Eldemerdash Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools of data collection: Physical and psychological problem questionnaire consisted of Beck depression inventory, body image acceptance and action questionnaire, Rosenberg self-esteem scale and eating disorder questionnaire. Results: Physical problems less than three quarter of the studied patients had dumping syndrome, majority of the patients had nutritional deficiencies and steatorrhea and two thirds of them complained from sagging skin. Psychological problems, it was found that, depressive symptoms appeared on two fifth of the studied patients, less than three quarter of the studied patients not accept their body image, less than half of them had low self-esteem and less than three quarter of them weren't restraining their eating. Conclusions: Majority of the studied patients had nutritional complications and steatorrhea, two thirds of the studied patients complained from excess skin, less than three quarter of the studied patients not accept their body image, less than three quarter of them weren't restraining their eating Recommendations: Further study is recommended about lifestyle modification and cognitive behavioral therapy to patients post bariatric surgery. Further study is recommended to evaluate psychological assessment before and after the surgery.