David Sarwer, PhD, director of clinical services at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders and member of the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery team, explains the psychosocial benefits of weight loss surgery. The physical benefits of bariatric surgery include weight loss, improvements in obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, but that’s only half the story. A growing body of evidence now shows the significant impact of bariatric surgery on psychosocial health and well being, particularly quality of life.
Many people with morbid obesity experience impairments in their quality of life, including persistent pain, low self-esteem and issues with social relationships, body image and sexuality. For individuals suffering from obesity-related diseases, the negative effect on their quality of life is only enhanced by their illness.
The good news is that research suggests that bariatric surgery can benefit mental and social well being in addition to facilitating weight loss and reducing typical metrics of obesity-related diseases like blood sugar and blood pressure.
In fact, a recent study conducted by the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program shows the psychosocial benefits of bariatric surgery begin earlier than previously thought. Patients reported significant improvements to quality of life as early as just 20 weeks after surgery.
These findings suggest the need for a broader view of the benefits of bariatric surgery. The transformation people experience after bariatric surgery often involves significant physical, psychological and interpersonal changes. It is important to consider – and prepare for – all the benefits, including better qualify of life, when deciding whether bariatric surgery is the right treatment option for you.
The Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program provides ongoing support groups to help you prepare for and successfully cope with post-surgical changes in your life.
- David B. Sarwer, PhD
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