Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify the postoperative behavioral health difficulties most often experienced by individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. As bariatric surgery becomes a more commonly accepted method of treating obesity, more research is emerging regarding the psychological impact of the surgery and subsequent lifestyle changes. While patients who undergo this surgery may be educated on the physical expectations postoperatively, many patients are unaware of the psychological impact they may experience. Even patients who present for surgery with psychological or psychosocial concerns may not expect those problems to maintain, increase, or shift. Rather, they often expect those concerns to dissipate. The literature shows patients may experience difficulties with adjusting to postoperative changes, anxiety and mood disorders, substance dependence and addictive behaviors, as well as intense and dangerous behaviors. This review explores some of the more common psychological difficulties reported by postoperative patients that, ultimately, points to the continued need to include behavioral health providers as members of an integrated bariatric treatment program.
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