Psychiatric Diagnoses and Psychiatric Treatment Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Background: This study investigated the psychiatric diagnoses and psychiatric treatment histories of 90 bariatric surgery candidates. Methods: Prior to surgery, all participants completed the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory, the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Participants also underwent a behavioral/psychological evaluation with a psychologist, which reviewed responses to the measures and provided further assessment of participants' psychiatric status. The evaluation also was used to produce a recommendation on the patients' psychological appropriateness for surgery. Results: Almost two-thirds of patients received a psychiatric diagnosis, the most common of which was major depressive disorder. Nearly two-fifths of all participants, and more than half of those given a psychiatric diagnosis, were engaged in some form of psychiatric treatment at the time of the evaluation. Nevertheless, 64% of patients were unconditionally approved for surgery; 31% were recommended for additional psychiatric or nutritional counseling prior to surgery. Three patients were not recommended for surgery. Conclusion: Results of this study provide important information on the preoperative psychiatric status and treatment histories of bariatric surgery candidates. Given the increasing population of bariatric surgery patients, evaluation of patients' preoperative psychiatric status may play an important role in maximizing successful postoperative outcomes.     

Sexual Abuse Survivors and Psychiatric Hospitalization after Bariatric Surgery

Background Some investigators have postulated that a history of being the victim of childhood sexual abuse may impact outcome of bariatric surgery. Methods In this retrospective chart review, we examined the electronic medical records of 152 adults with morbid obesity who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and who had a weight recorded in their medical record or reported in a follow-up surgery at 2 years after the RYGBP. The purpose of this retrospective chart review was to examine the relationship between psychosocial factors assessed preoperatively and the percent of excess weight lost (%EWL) at 2 years after bariatric surgery. Results We found a high prevalence of being the victim of childhood sexual abuse (27%), adult sexual trauma (9%), and/or physical abuse (19%) at the initial evaluation. There was no association between these factors and %EWL at 2 years. However, when we examined participants’ medical records for post-operative psychiatric hospitalizations at our medical center, 8 of 11 hospitalized patients reported a history of childhood sexual abuse (73%). Conclusions History of being the victim of childhood sexual abuse is reported frequently by patients seeking bariatric surgery. Our finding that having been the victim of childhood sexual abuse may be associated with increased risk of psychiatric hospitalization after RYGBP has several clinical implications. First, we recommend that clinicians assess carefully for a history of sexual or physical abuse, and secondly, abuse survivors may need to be told that there is an increased risk of psychiatric morbidity after bariatric surgery. Finally, perhaps close monitoring of these patients may prevent psychiatric difficulties after surgery. Further research to verify these preliminary findings is clearly needed.     

Bariatric surgery trends: an 18-year report from the International Bariatric Surgery Registry

BACKGROUND: The epidemic of morbid obesity has increased bariatric procedures performed. Trend analyses provide important information that may impact individual practices. METHODS: Patient data from 137 surgeons were examined from 1987 to 2004 (41,860 patients) using Cochran-Armitage Trend test and Generalized Linear Model. RESULTS: Over an 18-year period, surgeon preference for combined restrictive-malabsorptive procedures increased from 33% to 94%, while simple gastric restriction decreased correspondingly (P < .0001). Surgeons per worksite doubled and cases per surgeon increased 71%. Laparoscopic procedures increased to 24%. The percentage of males, mean operative age, and initial body mass index (BMI) increased significantly (P < .0001). Postoperative hospital stay decreased from 5.0 to 3.9 days (P < .0001). The most common procedure in 2004 was Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (59%). CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery patients are now older and heavier, length of stay is shorter, and the laparoscopic approach is more frequent. From 1987 to 2004, the general trend shows a clear preference for combined restrictive-malabsorptive operations.     

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

Background  Revisional surgery is required in a significant number of patients because of failure to lose weight, loss of quality of life, weight regain, or complications of the previous procedure. It has traditionally been associated with higher complication rates, and there appears to be no standardized surgical approach to revisional surgery. The aim of the study was to review the revisional procedures performed at St George Private Hospital and analyze the outcomes of the different types of revisional surgery. Methods   We performed a retrospective review of 75 patients who underwent revisional surgery between December 2003 and October 2007. Demographic, anthropometric, perioperative, and clinical follow-up data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 14.0. Results  Sixty-six of the 75 patients were female. The mean age at the time of revision was 46.32 (22–68) years. Mean initial weight was 119.08 kg, and body mass index (BMI) was 43.42 kg/m². The lowest BMI and excess weight loss (EWL) recorded after primary surgery was 36.9% and 53.5%, respectively. At the time of revision, the mean EWL was 24.79. The EWL at 3 months and 6 months were 41.7% and 47.8%, respectively. Revision was performed laparoscopically in 51 patients and via laparotomy in 24 patients. There was no mortality in the cohort, but there were 17.3% minor and 4.0% major perioperative morbidities. Conclusion  Our study suggests that revision can be performed safely. Weight loss is satisfactory, and complications of the previous operations were all reversed. Furthermore, revisions may be done laparoscopically, including those who had previous open procedures.     

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery review of the literature on one-anastomosis gastric bypass

The following review is being published by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in response to numerous inquiries made to the Society by patients, physicians, society members, hospitals, and others regarding one-anastomosis gastric bypass as a primary treatment for obesity or metabolic disease. The review is based on current clinical knowledge, expert opinion, and published peer-reviewed scientific evidence available at this time. The review is not intended as, and should not be construed as, stating or establishing a local, regional, or national standard of care.     

Demographics and outcomes at American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence

Introduction

Surgery is currently an effective long-term therapy for morbid obesity and its complications. A variety of surgical procedures can now offer durable and safe weight control as well as previously unrealized full remission of costly comorbidities. This is a preliminary investigation of patient characteristics and outcomes at Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence^® (BSCOE^®) hospitals.

Methods and procedures

Data were analyzed from 235 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) BSCOE^® hospitals receiving Full Approval status from August 2005 to May 2007. Metrics for the 66,339 bariatric surgeries performed at these hospitals included type, volume and distribution of various bariatric surgical procedures performed at each hospital, patient demographics, payer information, and adverse outcomes.

Results

Data from these analyses demonstrate significant differences in terms of surgical procedure selection (laparoscopic gastric bypass 61%), patient demographics (females 83%, White 60%, mean age 43 years) and type of payer (private insurance 78%), and adverse outcomes (readmission 5%, re-operation 2%, mortality 0.36%).

Conclusions

The collective performance of ASMBS BSCOE hospitals in bariatric outcomes of readmissions, re-operations, and mortality are equivalent to, or more favorable, than currently reported outcomes. However, risk assessment and risk adjustment of the patients and each of the bariatric procedures will be necessary to appropriately evaluate these rates.     

Bariatric surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Background

Data regarding the outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is limited. The aim of this study was to review our experience on bariatric surgery in patients with PH.

Social and Economic Effects of Bariatric Surgery

One to 5 years after gastric restrictive surgery and subsequent weight loss, 79 bariatric surgery patients were compared with a similar group of 54 non-operated patients. The operated group had a significantly higher proportion of employment, more working hours, and a higher income. They were also more active in different physical and social activities and had a better sexual life. They required less medical care, had fewer days of sick leave or sick pension, and gave a much higher score in assessment of their general health. The results indicate that obesity surgery is highly cost-effective.     

Psychiatric Issues in Bariatric Surgery

In this study, 100 patients were evaluated prior to surgery to assess psychiatric status. The demographic anthropometric and psychological characteristics are described. Seventeen patients developed severe psychiatric complications and required hospitalization; the diagnoses which precipitated hospital admission were most commonly affective disorders (especially major depression with suicidal ideation). The only deaths in the sample of 100 occurred among the patients who required post-surgical psychiatric hospitalization. The hospitalized group was compared to a matched group drawn from the original 100 patients. Factors associated with post-surgical psychiatric hospitalization were: presurgical psychiatric hospitalization, presence of multiple pre-surgical Axis I psychiatric diagnoses, and untreated Axis I diagnosis at the time of pre-surgical assessment. Psychiatric screening criteria were revised and 31 subsequent patients were evaluated; less than half of this group were found suitable for surgery at the time of preliminary assessment.     

Differences in Salivary Habituation to a Taste Stimulus in Bariatric Surgery Candidates and Normal-Weight Controls

Background  Previous studies show that slower habituation to taste stimuli is associated with reduced rates of satiation and greater energy intake. This study compared rates of salivary habituation to gustatory presentations of lemon juice in 34 severely obese bariatric surgery candidates [48.8 ± 7.9 years, 85% female, body mass index (BMI) = 47.4 ± 7.5 kg/m²] and 18 normal-weight controls (48.4 ± 9.5 years, 88.9% female, BMI = 22.7 ± 1.2 kg/m²). Methods  Parotid saliva was collected from cotton rolls positioned in the oral cavity during two baseline water trials and ten lemon juice trials. Data were condensed into trial blocks, representing mean values for the two baseline water trials and each of five pairs of lemon juice trials (i.e., blocks 1–5). Salivary change across lemon juice trials was calculated by subtracting values for blocks 1 through 5 from baseline. Results  A significant interaction of group (bariatric surgery candidates/normal-weight controls) by blocked trials [F (4, 200) = 3.0; p < 0.05] indicated that the groups differed in their pattern of salivary responding, with bariatric surgery candidates’ salivation (grams) failing to decrease significantly over the five blocked trials (−0.47 ± 0.18, p = 0.12), unlike that of the normal-weight controls (−1.30 ± 0.25, p < 0.001). Conclusion  These findings suggest that severely obese participants’ rate of salivary habituation to a taste stimulus is delayed compared to normal-weight controls. This provides support that satiation in bariatric surgery candidates is impaired, possibly leading to increased energy intake and positive energy balance.     

Psychosocial Status in Adolescents Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

Background Little is known about the psychosocial status of adolescents who undergo bariatric surgery. Our objective was to describe the psychological and behavioral characteristics of patients in this age group who underwent bariatric surgery at our institution. Methods A review of clinical charts of patients aged 14–21 years who had bariatric surgery at our institution between 2000 and 2005 was conducted. Abstracted data included clinical information and the results of a psychosocial evaluation consisting of a clinical interview with a psychologist and self-reported data from the Weight and Lifestyle Inventory and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Results Twenty-five patient records were reviewed. Nineteen patients (76%) were female. The mean (±SD) age was 18.7 ± 1.6 years, and mean body mass index was 50.6 ± 7.9 kg/m². Depression was the most common psychiatric comorbidity (68%). Abnormal eating behaviors were frequent and included binge eating (48%), rapid eating (44%), having guilt associated with eating (36%), eating until uncomfortably full (36%), loss of control (24%), eating without hunger (24%), and eating alone (20%). Sixteen patients were judged to be appropriate for surgery by the bariatric surgery team; surgery was delayed for nine patients primarily because of concerns about ability to adhere to the postoperative diet. These patients were recommended for additional dietary counseling and/or psychotherapeutic treatment prior to surgery. Conclusions Among adolescent bariatric surgery candidates, depression and aberrant eating behaviors were very common. Early identification and management of these conditions may enable most of these patients to undergo bariatric surgery and optimize the likelihood for a successful outcome.     

Psychological Gender Differences in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Background Over 177,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in 2006. Most patients are required to receive presurgical psychological clearance, although there are no empirically validated psycho-surgical risk factors. In an effort to establish normative data on suspected risk factors, the present study was conducted to determine if males and females differ on psycho-surgical risk factors. Methods Subjects consisted of 361 consecutive bariatric surgery candidates undergoing a psychological evaluation in a private practice setting. They were administered the PsyBari, a test that detects and measures psycho-surgical risk factors, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2). Results The results indicate that males have significantly higher BMIs than females (p = 0.035). Females have tried significantly more diets than males (p < 0.000). Females are significantly more likely to report a history of depression than males (p < 0.000). Females received significantly higher scores on the PsyBari Depression Index than males (p < 0.000.). Females received significantly higher BDI-2 scores than males (p < 0.001). Females are significantly more likely to report a history of anxiety than males (p = 0.004). Females received significantly higher scores on the PsyBari Social Anxiety Index than males (p = 0.038). Conclusion The results indicate that males and females differ significantly on suspected psycho-surgical risk factors. Assessments of bariatric surgery candidates should recognize that males and females have different baselines for psycho-surgical risk factors. Further research on bariatric surgery candidates should report results separated by gender.     

单切口经脐腹腔镜减重手术

目的近来,人们将单一切口腹腔镜胃减重手术的方法,视为除经自然腔道内镜手术之外的另一种选择。单一切口经脐腹腔镜胃减重手术的优势在于能隐藏手术瘢痕,获得较好的美容效果。然而,由于器械操作空间有限及肝脏牵引困难,此项技术一直受到很大限制,仅被认为适用于简单胃减重手术。本研究中,通过采用特殊技术和操作以期改善手术的安全及有效性,使其应用于更广泛的领域。方法自2008年12月起,我院采用LST装置（liver-suspension tape）及′Ω形脐孔成形术成功开展单一切口经脐胃减重手术。至2009年7月,共完成40例患者45例次手术,包括5例次胆囊切除术,2例胃束缚带放置,6例次胃袖状切除,32例次Roux-en-Y胃转流术（Roux-en-Y gastric bypass,RYGB）,记录术后住院天数及并发症情况。结果平均手术时间89.9min,平均术后住院1.15d。无一例发生术中或术后并发症,无死亡病例。所有病人均满意手术的美容效果。结论采用本技术施行单一切口经脐胃减重手术是安全、可行的,有进一步推广应用于更多外科手术的价值。     

Bariatric surgery improves urinary incontinence in morbidly obese individuals

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence is common in obese individuals. We report on the prevalence of urinary incontinence in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and the effect of surgically induced weight loss on urinary incontinence. METHODS: The prospectively collected data from 201 consecutive candidates for bariatric surgery were evaluated. The patients were surveyed using a questionnaire regarding the duration of incontinence, stress/urge incontinence symptoms, and incontinence severity before and after undergoing bariatric surgery. Severity was quantified using a validated index developed Data are presented as the mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: Of 201 patients, 65 (32%) reported urinary incontinence. Of the 65 patients, 44 women and 1 man (age 49 +/- 11 years, body mass index 48 +/- 7 kg/m(2)) underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (n = 42) or laparoscopic-assisted gastric banding (n = 3). Of the 38 patients who reported mild (2%), moderate (48%), and severe (50%) urinary incontinence preoperatively who had complete follow-up at > or = 6 months postoperatively, 19 (50%) had demonstrated resolution of urinary incontinence and 19 had reported residual slight-moderate (37%) or severe (13%) urinary incontinence. The overall severity score improved from 5.4 +/- 2.3 to 2.3 +/- 2.8 postoperatively (P <.001); the percentage of excess body weight loss was 61% +/- 19%. The patients reported subjective improvement within 4 months postoperatively or after a 50-lb weight loss. CONCLUSION: Urinary incontinence is prevalent in bariatric surgery patients. Surgically induced weight loss results in improvement or resolution of urinary incontinence in 82% of patients. The findings from this large cohort warrant additional investigation with urodynamic studies.     

Drug Distribution in Obesity and following Bariatric Surgery: A Literature Review

Background: The pharmacokinetic variables of drug clearance and volume of distribution are usually corrected for body weight or surface area. Only recently have the relationships which exist between body size, physiologic function and pharmacokinetic variables been evaluated in the obese population. These effects are not widely known, and data on this and the effects of bariatric surgical procedures are scantily documented in the surgical literature. Methods: Literature review. Results: Drugs with a low or moderate affinity for adipose tissue have a moderate increase in the volume of distribution (Vd), and this correlates with the increase in lean body mass (LBM). Highly lipophilic drugs, with some exceptions, show the expected increase in Vd and prolongation of elimination half-life, indicating a marked distribution into adipose tissue. Drug absorption, in general, is slowed by delayed gastric emptying and is normal when gastric emptying is normal or increased. Most drug absorption occurs in the small intestine where duration of drug/mucosal contact is the most important factor. Conclusions: Drugs whose distribution is restricted to LBM should utilize a loading dose based on ideal body weight (IBW). For those drugs which distribute freely into adipose tissue, the loading dose should be based on total body weight (TBW). Adjustment of the maintenance dose depends on clearance rates. In a few cases dosage adjustment depends on pharmacodynamic data, since drug clearance does not conform to these recommendations, for reasons which remain to be defined. Following bariatric surgery, in the absence of delayed gastric emptying or uncontrolled diarrhea, drug absorption rates are usually comparable to the non-operated patient.     

Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in Morbidly Obese with the Metabolic Syndrome at US Academic Centers

Background  The metabolic syndrome is associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We assessed the in-hospital outcomes of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese patients with the metabolic syndrome in comparison to a control group without the metabolic syndrome. Methods  Using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes, clinical data for 20,242 patients with and without the metabolic syndrome who underwent bariatric surgery over a 5-year period were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium database. Results  The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among bariatric surgery patients was 27.4%. Patients with the metabolic syndrome presented significantly higher overall morbidity as compared to morbidly obese patients without the metabolic syndrome (8.6% vs. 5.8%; p < 0.01), and similar mortality (0.04% vs. 0.01%; p = 0.2) after bariatric surgery. Hispanics with the metabolic syndrome had the highest morbidity rates, and men had the uppermost mortality. In-hospital bariatric surgery outcomes were significantly improved among patients who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Conclusions  The data suggest that the presence of the metabolic syndrome affects inter-ethnic and gender-specific short-term outcomes after bariatric surgery.