An Examination of the Changes in Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life Among Patients Who Undergo Gastric Bypass Surgery

This study explores the changes in depression, anxiety and quality of life of patients who underwent gastric by-pass surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the mental health status of 30 patients by comparing the pre and post-operative mental health evaluative data that had been collected at the pre-surgery evaluation and again at the two, four and six-month follow-up appointments. The data included scores from Beck Depression Inventories (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventories (BAI) and Rand 36-Item Quality of Life Health Surveys (SF-36). Surgical intervention treatments of obesity are increasing. Evaluation of the pre-operative and post-operative psychological status of patients undergoing this treatment is lacking. The goal of the study was to provide research that determined whether there was any significant change in preoperative and postoperative mental health status of the patients and to support better pre-operative and post-operative assessment and mental health treatment. The study provided an overview of obesity and how it is linked to depression, anxiety and quality of life. It also provided a review of the literature about past and current research related to the variables that were examined. The results provide counselors, psychologists and other mental health practitioners, who are evaluating and treating bariatric bypass patients with extended knowledge about patient\u27s preoperative and postoperative mental health status. The results provide information that supports more accurate and consistent standards for preoperative assessment and postoperative treatment planning and research in the area of mental health aspects of bariatric bypass surgery. The study influences mental health research professionals to review and revise mental health research instruments in consideration of the special needs and experience of bariatric bypass patients