Perception of Well-Being and Quality of Life in Obese Patients After Bariatric Surgery.

ABSTRACT

Bariatric surgery is the treatment of choice for effective weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. The influence of the surgery, mostly consisting of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, on mental health is less clear. This study aims to define the influence of bariatric surgery on the perception of well-being and the general quality of life in obese patients. This is a study in which 52 obese patients, 90% of whom are women, were surveyed for the long-term persistence of weight reduction, physical activity, mood, perception of self-confidence, self-worth, and other psycho-socio-emotional factors relating to the general quality of life before and after bariatric surgery. We confirmed persisting effectiveness of surgery for weight reduction. Further, we found that weight reduction was accompanied by enhanced physical activity and amelioration of obesity-related somatic and psycho-emotional maladies. Notably, the perception of self-confidence and self-esteem distinctly improved, resulting in better social interactions and communications. We conclude that psychological improvements resulting from bariatric surgery make the feeling of well-being and general quality of life better, which is liable to drive positive health outcomes.