Bariatric surgery is an increasingly popular intervention for obesity, and psychologists have seen a growing role in the evaluation of surgery candidates. Studies of pre-surgery psychosocial and physical health variables that are predictive of post-surgical outcome have been inconclusive. In the present study, pre-operative health status, psychological testing results, and support group attendance were measured to determine their relationship with weight-loss outcome at 6 months post-surgery. The Health Perception scale of the Health Status Questionnaire was a significant predictor of weight loss outcome. This suggests that individuals who endorse more negative perceptions of their physical health are more likely to have a better outcome post-surgery. The results of this study emphasize the importance of evaluating an individual's psychological perceptions of their physical health when they present for bariatric surgery.

Although a number of studies have asserted that psychosocial factors contribute to suboptimal weight loss outcomes following bariatric surgery; research has been inconsistent regarding the associations between preoperative psychiatric diagnoses and psychological testing results and suboptimal weight loss. Research implies that psychopathology and personality are best capture by a hierarchical framework. The current investigation examined the utility of using the hierarchical model of psychopathology to predict 5-year Body Mass Index (BMI) outcomes. A total of 446 consecutively, locally residing consented patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) at least 5-years ago were included in the study. A majority were women (74.2%) and of Caucasian descent (66.2%). Patients' mean pre-surgical BMI was 49.14 kg/m2 [Standard Deviation (SD) = 9.50 kg/m2]. Psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from a pre-surgical, semi-structured clinical interview and all participants were administered the MMPI-2-RF at their pre-surgical evaluations. BMIs were collected at 4 post-operative time points across a 5-year trajectory. Age significantly predicted the nonlinear rate of BMI-reduction across time, such that older individuals evidenced a slower rate of change over time. Pre-surgical levels of Externalizing and Low Positive Activation/Emotionality predicted higher BMIs at the 5-year outcome. Pre-operative indicators of psychopathology are important in predicting post-operative outcomes, particularly when they are dimensional in nature and aligned with the hierarchical model of psychopathology. A closer follow-up with patients who evidence pre-surgical problems, both before and after surgery, may help improve outcomes.

According to the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health, obesity is a global health problem. Worldwide, obesity is the fifth-leading cause of death. Weight loss surgeries such as gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass surgery have become increasingly popular methods to manage intractable obesity in the United States. Such surgeries have inherent risks, both medical and psychosocial, and as a result, candidates for weight loss surgery routinely undergo pre-surgical evaluations to determine their suitability for weight loss procedures. The current study was done in partnership with Kettering Bariatrics in Kettering, Ohio, and is an analysis of the ability of their pre-surgical psychological evaluation to predict post-surgical success. In this study, success was defined as percentage of weight lost. Regression analyses examined the predictive ability of six psychological constructs and four demographic variables on weight loss at three post-surgical time points. Different predictor variables were demonstrated to predict weight loss at different post-surgical intervals. The results of this study were interpreted using Prochaska & DiClemente’s Stages of Change as a theoretical framework. The clinical implications for mental health providers working with the weight loss surgery population are discussed, and suggestions for future research are made.

This critical summary of current literature on eating disorders aims to keep researchers and health practitioners informed on the clinical implications of new studies. It is the first volume in what's projected as an annual review that will highlight topics related to the major aspects of eating disorders.

Eating Disorders have traditionally been considered apart from public health concerns about increasing obesity. It is evident that these problems are, however, related in important ways. Comorbid obesity and eating disorder is increasing at a faster rate than either obesity or eating disorders alone and one in five people with obesity also presents with an Eating Disorder, commonly but not limited to Binge Eating Disorder. New disorders have emerged such as normal weight or Atypical Anorexia Nervosa. However research and practice too often occurs in parallel with a failure to understand the weight disorder spectrum and consequences of co-morbidity that then contributes to poorer outcomes for people living with a larger size and an Eating Disorder. Urgently needed are trials that will inform more effective assessment, treatment and care where body size and eating disorder symptoms are both key to the research question.

Pathophysiology of Bariatric Surgery: Metabolism, Nutrition, Procedures, Outcomes and Adverse Effects uses a metabolic and nutritional theme to explain the complex interrelationships between obesity and metabolic profiles before and after bariatric surgery. The book is sectioned into seven distinct areas, Features of Obesity, Surgical Procedures, Nutritional Aspects, Metabolic Aspects, Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and Glucose Control, Cardiovascular and Physiological Effects, and Psychological and Behavioral Effects. Included is coverage on the various types of bariatric surgery, including Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, biliopancreatic diversion, and jejunoileal bypass, as well as the variations upon these procedures. - Provides information on diet, nutrition, surgical procedures, outcomes, and side effects in relation to bariatric surgery in one comprehensive text - Contains a Dictionary of Terms, Key Facts, and Summary Points in each chapter - Includes access to a companion website with accompanying videos