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Positive Psychological Impact of Bariatric Surgery

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Background

Psychological impact of bariatric surgery has been described mostly in terms of reduction of psychopathology. This exploratory study examines the impact of bariatric surgery in terms of positive psychological growth and development.

Methods

57 patients who underwent LAGB were recruited to this study; 31 patients (54.4%) completed a questionnaire battery 1 year or more following surgery. Positive impact was assessed using the posttraumatic growth questionnaire. Mental and physical health were assessed using the SF-36. Family support was assessed using the perceived family support questionnaire and weight loss measure was assessed using measured weight differences prior to and 1 year after surgery.

Results

Positive impact was apparent in all dimensions including greater appreciation of life, increased sense of personal strength and improvement in relating to others. Positive impact appears to be independent of physical and mental health as well as of family social support.

Conclusion

Positive impact of bariatric surgery is a substantial outcome and should be examined further. Positive impact of bariatric surgery should be taken into account as a therapeutic tool in positive oriented psychological interventions following bariatric surgery.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Shimon Shiri MA

  2. Department of Physical Rehabilitation, Hadassah University Hospital –Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel

    Shimon Shiri MA

  3. Department of Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital –Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel

    Tamara Gurevich RD & Nahum Beglaibter MD

  4. School of Occupational Therapy, Hadassah University Hospital –Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel

    Uri Feintuch PhD

  5. Caesarea Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild Institute for Interdisciplinary Applications of Computer Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Uri Feintuch PhD

  6. Department of Physical Rehabilitation, Hadassah University Hospital –Mount Scopus Campus, Jerusalem, 91240, Israel

    Shimon Shiri MA

Authors
  1. Shimon Shiri MA
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  2. Tamara Gurevich RD
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  3. Uri Feintuch PhD
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  4. Nahum Beglaibter MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shimon Shiri MA.

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Shiri, S., Gurevich, T., Feintuch, U. et al. Positive Psychological Impact of Bariatric Surgery. OBES SURG 17, 663–668 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-007-9111-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-007-9111-5

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