Back to Work After Bariatric Surgery? A Belgian Population Study.

INTRODUCTION: Aside from an impact on health, obesity is also associated with higher social and economic costs such as impaired productivity, increased work absenteeism, and higher rates of unemployment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery on employment status in a large nationwide database, using data from all patients that underwent bariatric surgery in Belgium. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all Belgian patients that underwent bariatric surgery between 2014 and 2015. The work status of these patients was examined yearly: 4 years before and 3 years after surgery. Increased employment after surgery was defined (1) as a reduction in days of unemployment and incapacity and (2) as the resumption of work among the unemployed. RESULTS: In total, 16,276 patients were included. The number of working people rose from 49.7% before to 61.2% 3 years after bariatric surgery, i.e., an increase of 11.5% between pre- and post-surgery. The largest improvement in reduction in unemployment was found in individuals who were absent from work for more than 9 months, namely, a reduction from 13.4 to 7.2%. In the population of unemployed patients, 20.9% became employed after bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: We found an increase in employment rate and a decrease in work incapacity and unemployment after bariatric surgery. Higher rates of employment after bariatric surgery may also contribute to an increased cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery. It would be interesting to research possible targeting strategies to increase the employment rate even more after bariatric surgery.

Psychosocial Consequences of Bariatric Surgery: Two Sides of a Coin: a Scoping Review.

This scoping review summarizes current evidence with regard to the impact of bariatric surgery on psychological health in adults with obesity. While a large body of evidence reports major metabolic benefit and improved quality of life, there is also ample evidence suggesting an increased incidence of self-harming behavior, a greater likelihood of developing an alcohol problem and higher rates of completed suicide among bariatric patients. Being able to identify the "at risk" patient population requires more longitudinal research into the risk factors for psychological complications after bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery remains an extremely valuable long-term treatment option for managing obesity; however, there is a need to invest in mitigating psychological complications after the surgery, such as depression, alcohol consumption, and other self-harming behaviors.

Long-term effects of gastric bypass surgery on psychosocial well-being and eating behavior: not all that glitters is gold.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate long-term effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on physical and psychosocial health as well as eating behavior of obese patients. METHODS: We compared 23 patients 7 years after RYGB to 23 body mass index (BMI), sex, and age matched obese control patients by means of self-reporting questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire - Short Form (Q-LES-Q SF), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ), and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data are presented as median ± interquartile rage. RESULTS: Physical health had improved and body image (80 ± 25% vs. 20 ± 49%, p < 0.001) was better in post-RYGB patients when compared to controls. HADS-depression score (4 ± 8 vs. 11 ± 9; p = 0.005) was lower post-RYGB. Satisfaction with physical health (2 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 1, p = 0.037), daily life functioning (4 ± 2 vs. 2 ± 2, p = 0.050), and hobbies (4 ± 1 vs. 2 ± 2, p = 0.011) was higher post-RYGB, but social relationships and sexual performance were not perceived as superior. In addition, post-RYGB patients were more prone to eat on external cues (13 ± 7 vs. 19 ± 13; p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Seven years post-RYGB, patients reported a significant improvement of physical health and higher satisfaction with daily life, but not with social relationships or sexual performance. Eating behavior post-RYGB was more influenced by external cues.