The emergence of eating pathology after bariatric surgery: a rare outcome with important clinical implications

Abstract

Objective: The present review examines the extant literature regarding the post-operative development of eating disorders (e.g., EDNOS) in bariatric surgery patients.

Method: Internet, PsycINFO, Pubmed, and reference lists were examined to aggregate and compare literature from January 1985 to May 2010.

Results: Several case studies and case series have investigated the emergence of eating disorders after bariatric surgery. Clinical considerations are outlined.

Discussion: The development of classical eating disorders after bariatric surgery appears to be a rare occurrence; however, eating problems are far more common. Unfortunately no typology exists to classify such eating problems. Future research should examine the incidence, risk factors, symptomatology, course, and outcome of such eating disorders and eating problems. It is highly likely that such problems are underreported.