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Assessing Marijuana Use in Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Should It Be a Contraindication?

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Abstract

Research has demonstrated negative effects of both alcohol and tobacco use after bariatric surgery. However, no research to date has examined effects of cannabis use after bariatric surgery, even though cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the USA. Literature review reveals that many practitioners generalize from data regarding alcohol abuse to all substances. Further, many screening protocols fail to differentiate between varying levels of cannabis use. The current report aims to (1) review the relevant literature on marijuana use and its potential consequences among bariatric patients, (2) discuss relevant problems and gaps in this literature, and (3) make preliminary recommendations regarding the assessment and treatment planning of bariatric candidates who disclose marijuana use.

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Conflict of Interest

The first author, Christina M. Rummell, has no conflict of interest to disclose. The second author, Leslie J. Heinberg, has no conflict of interest to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/M61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Christina M. Rummell & Leslie J. Heinberg

  2. Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue/M61, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Leslie J. Heinberg

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  1. Christina M. Rummell
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  2. Leslie J. Heinberg
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Correspondence to Leslie J. Heinberg.

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Rummell, C.M., Heinberg, L.J. Assessing Marijuana Use in Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Should It Be a Contraindication?. OBES SURG 24, 1764–1770 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-014-1315-x

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