Eating avoidance disorder and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following gastric bypass: an under-diagnosed association

Obes Surg. 2005 Sep;15(8):1207-10. doi: 10.1381/0960892055002266.

Abstract

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) and disordered eating behavior have been reported separately after bariatric surgery. We report a patient who following a bariatric operation developed WKS associated with a disturbed eating behavior without vomiting. This morbidly obese man developed an intense fear of gaining weight in the postoperative period and engaged in an extreme form of "food avoidance behavior". 2 months postoperatively after severe weight loss, he was hospitalized with disorientation and an amnesic syndrome. He was discharged 2 months later with stable weight and regular eating habits. Despite this, at the last follow-up visit 2 years postoperatively, he still had a residual partial amnesic syndrome. The surgical team must be aware of peculiar forms of pathological eating that may appear after bariatric surgery; the emergence of an eating avoidance disorder may be associated with the development of WKS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / etiology
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Gastric Bypass / adverse effects
  • Gastric Bypass / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Korsakoff Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Korsakoff Syndrome / etiology
  • Male
  • Obesity, Morbid / psychology
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery*