[Psychological factors related to gastric banding. Results of a follow-up study]

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a widespread illness in Western industrialized countries, causing a high financial burden for the health systems. Several studies could demonstrate the positive effects of bariatric surgery on psychological and psychosocial parameters.

Patients and methods: Twenty patients with morbid obesity (BMI > or =40 kg/m(2)) answered two questionnaires, the SCL-90-R, assessing psychological distress, and the IIP-D, measuring interpersonal problems, before and 6 months after gastric banding. Six months after surgery an additional questionnaire measuring subjective feelings was administered, too.

Results: Seventy-five percent of the patients were dissatisfied with therapy and outcome. They reported a lack of psychological support as well as new surgery-related physical and psychological symptoms.

Conclusion: This study pointed out the necessity for psychotherapeutic help after surgery to manage already existing or new psychological needs due to gastric banding.