Psychological factors in reducing excess body weight after bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND: The relevance of the problem of obesity today is not in doubt. One of the most effective treatments today is bariatric surgery. At the same time, the effectiveness of the surgical method is not always predictable, as it is influenced by various factors, including the psychological state of the patient. AIM: To study the psychological characteristics of patients with obesity before and after surgical (bariatric) treatment and to establish the relationship with weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study involved 32 patients with morbid obesity before and a year after laparoscopic longitudinal resection of the stomach with an initial body mass index of 45.36 (+54.90; -33.00). Questionnaire used: Symptom Check List-90-R (L.R. Derogatis). Statistical data processing was carried out using the statistical programming language R. RESULTS: The presence or increase in the level of phobic anxiety (a persistent reaction of fear to certain people, situations and places) and psychotism (isolation, interpersonal isolation, avoidance) in a patient can have a negative impact on the success of weight loss in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS. The psychological factors affecting the prognosis of weight loss after bariatric surgery have been identified. Psychological testing and determining the patient’s psychotype can be predictive in improving the outcome of surgical treatment of obesity.