Effect of BMI on quality of life and depression levels after bariatric surgery

Abstract

Background: Studies conducted in Poland have found that 1% (~300,000) of Polish adults are obese. The degree of weight loss and reduction of discomfort associated with severe obesity are used to evaluate bariatric surgery outcomes. From the patient's point of view, QoL and mental health are the most important determinants of successful surgery, which is why interest in QoL assessment has increased.

Objectives: To assess the effect of BMI on quality of life and depression levels depending on the type of bariatric surgery.

Material and methods: The group included 57 women and 43 men aged 20-60 years (mean age 40 years) with BMI from 36 to 40 (31%) and > 40 (69%). Twelve patients (12%) underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric binding (LAGB), 58 (58%) sleeve gastrectomy, and 30 (30%) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) was used to assess QoL. The severity of mood disorders was assessed using the Self-Rating Scale of Depression and Anxiety.

Results: Six months or 1 year after bariatric surgery, the number of patients with BMI > 40 had decreased from 69 to 14%. We found that the time since bariatric surgery contributed to a significant (p < 0.01) difference in BAROS outcomes. In the long-term perspective, we observed better quality of life.

Conclusions: MA-QoL II is a useful tool in assessing bariatric surgery, including quality of life. Long-term monitoring will be essential in determining psychological changes and the degree of weight loss.

Keywords: anxiety; bariatric surgical procedures; depression; quality of life.