Changes in quality of life and body image after gastric bypass surgery

Background: Improvements in psychosocial status are an important aspect of successful outcomes after bariatric surgery. Relatively few studies have investigated the changes in psychosocial functioning at a number of points in the first few postoperative years. The present study was undertaken to assess the changes in quality of life and body image after gastric bypass surgery. The present study was performed at an academic medical center.

Methods: A total of 200 men and women were enrolled in the study and completed psychometric measures of quality of life and body image before surgery and again 20, 40, and 92 weeks postoperatively.

Results: The participants reported significant improvements in several domains of health- and weight-related quality of life, as well as changes in body image, after surgery. These changes were correlated with the percentage of weight loss.

Conclusion: Those who undergo gastric bypass surgery experienced significant improvements in quality of life and body image within the first few months after surgery. These changes were, with few exceptions, maintained into the second postoperative year.