Candidates For Weight Loss Surgery Research Articles

Chew and spit (CHSP) in bariatric patients: a case series

BackgroundStudies into the disordered eating behaviour of chew and spit have alluded to several cohorts more likely to engage in the behaviour, one such group being bariatric surgery candidates and patients. Weight-loss surgery candidates have received little to no attention regarding engaging in chew and spit behaviour. Changes in pre- and post- surgery eating pathology related to chew and spit behaviour has yet to be explored and described in academic literature.Case presentationThe current study reports on three cases of individual women, aged 30, 35, and 62 respectively, who indicated engagement in chew and spit. All three cases underwent bariatric surgery (two underwent gastric bypass, one underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy). Eating pathology—including chew and spit behaviour, anxiety and depression, and adherence to the Norwegian nutritional guidelines were examined pre-operatively and post-operatively (one and two-year follow-up). At baseline (pre-surgery), two participants reported that they engaged in chew and spit, compared to one patient post-surgery. All three cases reported that they, to at least some extent, adhered to dietary guidelines post-surgery. Subjective bingeing frequency appeared to be relatively low for all three cases, further declining in frequency at one-year follow-up. At baseline, one participant reported clinically significant depression and anxiety, with no clinically significant depression or anxiety reported at follow-ups in participants that chew and spit.ConclusionsThe current study provides a starting point for the exploration of chew and spit as a pathological symptom of disordered eating in bariatric patients. It highlights the need to further explore chew and spit before and after weight-loss surgery.

Association between hedonic hunger and body-mass index versus obesity status

Obesity-associated differences in hedonic hunger, while consistently reported, have not been adequately quantified, with most studies failing to demonstrate strong correlations between Body Mass Index (BMI) and hedonic hunger indicators. Here, we quantified and assessed the nature of the relationship between hedonic hunger and BMI, in a cross-sectional study using the Portuguese version of the PFS (P-PFS) to measure hedonic hunger. Data were collected from 1266 participants belonging to non-clinical, clinical (candidates for weight-loss surgery) and population samples. Across samples, significant but weak positive associations were found between P-PFS scores and BMI, in adjusted linear regression models. However, in logistic regression models of data from the clinical and non-clinical samples, the P-PFS Food Available domain score was significantly and robustly associated with belonging to the clinical sample (OR = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.2–2.8; p = 0.008), while in the population sample it was associated to being obese (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.6–2.7; p < 0.001). Thus, hedonic hunger levels are associated with obesity status with the odds of being obese approximately doubling for each unit increase in the P-PFS Food Available score.

Preoperative Risk Factors for Suicide in Candidates for Weight Loss Surgery

Suicide risk factors were examined in surgical weight loss (SWL) candidates and compared with weight management (WM) patients in an attempt to better understand the increased risk for suicide after bariatric surgery. Participants included 145 SWL and 103 WM patients. Body–mass index, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability, suicidal ideation, prior suicide attempts, and lifetime history of abuse were assessed. Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, prior suicide attempts, lifetime physical abuse, and suicidal ideation were lower in SWL patients. SWL patients may demonstrate lower preoperative risk for suicide due to socially desirable responding or a sense of hope regarding their upcoming surgery. Additionally, the unique physical and psychological aspects of undergoing bariatric surgery may be associated with postoperative increases in suicidality.

La compleja relación entre la salud mental y la cirugía para la obesidad: una revisión

IntroductionA complex interaction exists between mental health (MH) and obesity. Weight loss surgery (WLS) is currently an alternative for a growing number of patients. Hence, the aim of this study is to do an up-to-date review of the several aspects on the relationship between WLS and MH. MethodsA comprehensive PubMed search was done, using the MeSH terms ‘mental health’, ‘obesity’, ‘surgery’, and ‘weight loss surgery’ and ‘weight loss surgery’ and ‘suicide’. A total of 532 papers were found. ResultsThe main results were:a) Teams across the world evaluate MH of WLS candidates with different methods and protocols. b) Up to 50% of the patients in evaluation for WLS have an active mental disorder. c) The evidence that MH affects the final weight outcome in WLS subjects is not conclusive. d) The research in severe psychiatric patients and WLS is scarce and is often considered as an exclusion criterion. e) WLS is associated with a positive impact on MH, either due to a better quality of life, to reductions on the severity of mental disorders or improvements in cognitive functions. ConclusionsWLS seems to be associated with several positive outcomes of MH. Future studies should explore the questions yet not answered on this relationship, and investigate if the presence of some mental disorders and/or cognitive impairment might become criteria for the indication of WLS.

Obesity medications: what does the future look like?

Lifestyle modification remains the mainstay of treatment for obesity despite the lack of substantial long-term efficacy. For many who do not respond to lifestyle therapy and are not candidates for weight loss surgery, pharmacotherapy is a viable treatment option. Advances in understanding mechanisms of appetite control, nutrient sensing, and energy expenditure have not only helped shape current drug development but have also changed the way in which antiobesity medications are prescribed. Current antiobesity medications and pharmacological strategies will be reviewed. Two new antiobesity drugs - naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) and liraglutide (Saxenda) - were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2014 and join four other approved obesity medications, including phentermine/topiramate XR (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq), to form the largest number of medications available for the treatment of obesity. In addition, investigational drugs, like belnoranib, show promise in early clinical trials, brightening the outlook on drug development. To combat the complex physiological system of energy regulation and the known variation of treatment response, combinatory therapies for obesity, including pharmacotherapy, are needed. Now six US Food and Drug Administration-approved antiobesity medications, including two combination medications, will allow providers to tailor obesity treatment in combination with lifestyle modification for a great number of individuals with obesity.

Medication Use Among Patients Prior to Bariatric Surgery.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to describe the most common medications reported by candidates for weight loss surgery and to consider the potential implications for patient care. Methods: A secondary data analysis of data from bariatric surgery patients enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial. At study entry, participants recorded their use of prescription medications they had taken in the previous 90 days. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)/Defined Daily Dose (DDD) Index 2014 was used to classify medications. Results: Participants (n=265) were 85.7% female and 83.0% white. Mean body mass index was 47.9±6.5 kg/m2, and age was 45.1±11 years. The average number of medications was 4.4±4.1, and the median was 3. The top three anatomical main groups were the cardiovascular system, alimentary tract and metabolism, and nervous system (28.2%, 21.6%, and 21.3% of all medications, respectively). The top therapeutic subgroups were drugs used in diabetes, psychoanaleptics, and agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (12%, 11.3%, and 8.2% of all medications, respectively). Conclusions: Candidates for weight loss surgery report taking medications associated with obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, depression, and hypertension. Although many may be able to eliminate these medications, others will require close monitoring and dosage adjustment after surgery.

Bariatric surgery in obese adolescents: opportunities and challenges.

Extreme obesity is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a body mass index (BMI) higher than 120% of the 95th percentile for age. Four to six percent of American youths fall into this subcategory and are at increased risk for developing comorbidities, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, sleep apnea, and bone and joint problems. Many studies have shown that nonsurgical treatment programs do not provide significant long-term improvements in BMI in adolescents with severe obesity. In adults, bariatric (weight loss) surgery has been shown to dramatically reduce BMI and to reverse or prevent many complications of obesity; thus, bariatric surgery is being used in an attempt to reverse clinically severe obesity in adolescents. This review highlights the indications for bariatric surgery in adolescents and outlines practice guidelines for adolescent surgical weight loss programs. The authors summarize available data on the effects of adolescent weight loss surgery on metabolic comorbidities and highlight the important acute and long-term complications that must be monitored by their general pediatricians. After reading this article, the general pediatrician should be able to identify adolescents who may be candidates for weight loss surgery and have the knowledge to assist in their postoperative medical management.

A closer look at the nature of anxiety in weight loss surgery candidates.

Depression among weight loss surgery (WLS) candidates is common. Anxiety in this population is less studied. Untreated anxiety persists post-surgery and is associated with poor surgical outcomes. The current study sought to explore the nature of anxiety in WLS candidates. Given shared symptoms of anxiety and obesity, we hypothesized that physiological symptoms of anxiety would be most common. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 174 pre-WLS candidates at a large medical center were reviewed. Each completed a comprehensive medical, surgical, and psychological evaluation as part of standard of care. Data from these evaluations were abstracted. One hundred forty-three candidates completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). A Principal Components Analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was used to identify the factor structure of the BAI. The sample consisted of primarily middle-aged (46.0 ± 13.24 years), married (60.8%), Caucasian (65.7%), females (79%) with Class III obesity (Body Mass Index = 50.1 ± 10.68) and mild anxiety (8.86 ± 8.70). Forty-four percent of the sample endorsed clinically significant anxiety. PCA revealed a four-factor structure that explained 56.28% of the variance in the BAI. The four factors were: 1) cognitive-emotional distress, 2) autonomic hyperarousal, 3) neurophysiologic concerns, and 4) body temperature. Clinically significant anxiety is common among WLS candidates. Cognitive-emotional clustering of anxiety symptoms was more common than hypothesized. This is notable given the overlap of physiological symptoms of anxiety and obesity. Findings lend support for the utility of psychotherapeutic approaches tailored to address maladaptive thoughts to address anxiety and potentially improve WLS outcomes.

Preoperative Weight Loss in the Context of a Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention

To the Editor Drs. Wiezer, Jansen, and Thorell note that 6 months seem to be an unnecessarily long period of intervention in our study on preparing patients for weight-loss surgery (R01DK077102; PREP Study, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00623792). In particular, they question whether this duration is necessary if the goal is to reduce surgical complications. This is an excellent question, which we would like to address. Although it is almost certainly true that significant weight loss could occur more quickly with aggressive intervention such as a very low energy diet (VLED), the PREP study is not restricted to the question of whether preoperative weight loss reduces perioperative complications. Rather, we are addressing a broader set of aims including whether a comprehensive lifestyle intervention emphasizing behavioral self-management will confer benefits through 2 years after operation. We hypothesize that patients who participate in the intervention will exhibit better postoperative compliance (e.g., adherence to dietary and exercise guidelines), fewer behavior-related complications (e.g., severe and persistent vomiting, dumping syndrome), and lower healthcare utilization (e.g., surgeryrelated outpatient and emergency room visits), relative to those receiving usual preoperative care. Our approach is adapted from evidence-based lifestyle interventions that have been associated with modest weight losses (5–10% of initial body weight) and concomitant improvements in health among individuals at high risk (e.g., [1, 2]). The 6-month duration of the PREP intervention provides for sufficient time to monitor and address eating behaviors such as overconsumption of high-calorie liquids, frequent snacking, and recurrent loss of control over eating, which have been associated with complications and poor weight control after bariatric surgery. Furthermore, this duration corresponds minimum duration of physiciansupervised dieting most US insurance companies require prior to approval for surgery. In order to facilitate participation among candidates for weight-loss surgery—many of whom have physical limitations on their mobility or travel a significant distance to seek care—the intervention is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and telephone counseling sessions. Multidisciplinary work is needed to establish effects of diet, exercise, and behavior change in this patient population as well as to determine the most appropriate timing and duration of preoperative interventions. We were pleased to learn about the SHOPWEL study to evaluate the effect of short-term weight loss 2 to 3 weeks prior to surgery using VLED. We agree that randomized controlled trials currently underway will yield important information for optimizing surgical care. Melissa A. Kalarchian, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology Marsha D. Marcus, Ph.D. Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Morbidity in obese adolescents who meet the adult National Institutes of Health criteria for bariatric surgery

Purpose Some have suggested that the criteria for weight loss surgery in adolescents be stricter than those currently recommended for adults by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The aim of the current study is to define the characteristics of adolescents who meet NIH consensus criteria for bariatric surgery in adults to determine their level of morbidity. Materials and Methods Using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2000-2004, children designated as meeting NIH criteria were 13 to 17 years of age with (1) a body mass index ≥40 or (2) a body mass index >35, and one or more comorbidity. We contrasted surgery candidates with noncandidates. We examined items that comprise a screener for identifying children with special health care needs. The Columbia Impairment Scale (CIS) was used to assess child functioning. Results There were 134 children identified as candidates for bariatric surgery and 4736 noncandidates in the same age range. Candidates were more likely to have special health care needs (36% vs 23%) and more likely to have a CIS above 16 (34% vs 16%). Candidates for weight loss surgery were 2.36 times as likely to have a CIS score of 16 or higher and 1.87 times as likely to be identified as a child with special health care needs ( P ≤ .001). Conclusions We conclude that adolescents who meet NIH consensus criteria for weight loss surgery in adults require specialized health services and have functional impairment. Thus, we advocate the use of the standard adult criteria defined by the NIH as the initial screening requirements so that enhanced access to weight loss surgery for morbidly obese adolescents may be achieved.

Risk of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding in gastric bypass patients taking clopidogrel

The antiplatelet drug clopidogrel (Plavix) is widely used in patients who have undergone coronary artery stenting or had a stroke. Because morbid obesity is associated with atherosclerosis, some of these patients are candidates for weight loss surgery. We chose to determine the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after gastric bypass in patients taking clopidogrel. Patients who took clopidogrel after gastric bypass were identified by specific review of the subset of patients who had had upper gastrointestinal bleeding requiring hospital admission and transfusion. All who bled underwent emergency endoscopy. Of 11 patients taking clopidogrel, 4 (36%) presented with significant upper gastrointestinal bleeding 25-234 days after gastric bypass. All stopped bleeding with discontinuation of the drug and treatment with an intravenous proton pump inhibitor. Gastric bypass patients appear to be at high risk of bleeding complications when taking clopidogrel. On the basis of the available published data from another high-risk group (i.e., those with a history of peptic ulcer disease), co-treatment with omeprazole may be indicated when clopidogrel must be continued.

Who is adherent with preoperative psychological treatment recommendations among weight loss surgery candidates?

Background Adherence to treatment regimens is critical for success with weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery patients commonly undergo a psychological evaluation before surgery. When indicated, patients are provided with preoperative behavioral recommendations; yet, little is known about the adherence to these recommendations. In this study, we evaluated the following: (1) level of adherence to behavioral treatment plans; (2) characteristics that differentiate adherent patients from nonadherent patients; and (3) the weight loss of delayed-adherent patients compared with those whose surgery was not delayed. Methods We performed a case review of psychological evaluations, preoperative behavioral treatment plans, and subsequent adherence rates. Results Of the 837 patients evaluated, 68 (8%) had significant psychosocial issues and were given behavioral treatment recommendations before surgery. Of these 68 patients, 38 (56%) were adherent and subsequently underwent surgery, and 30 (46%) were nonadherent and were not offered surgery in our program. Adherence did not differ relative to body mass index, age, education, race, marital status, depression, anxiety, or rate of eating disorders. Adherence did differ by gender: 31% percent of the men were adherent to recommendations while 62% of the women were adherent. Individuals with complex treatment plans were less likely to be adherent than those with less complex recommendations. Additionally, increased hostility reduced the adherence rates. Patients adherent to the psychological recommendations had weight loss within 2 years, which was similar to that of patients who did not require behavioral treatment recommendations. Conclusion The results of this study have provided information regarding adherence to preoperative psychological treatment recommendations. Although most patients are psychologically suitable for weight loss surgery at the initial evaluation, a better understanding of the factors influencing the adherence with preoperative behavioral programs could improve care for those with major psychosocial issues.

History of smoking and postcessation weight gain among weight loss surgery candidates

Smoking cessation often results in weight gain. Although smoking cessation frequently is recommended to patients presenting for weight loss surgery (WLS), the relationship between smoking cessation and weight gain among WLS candidates is poorly understood. Thus, we sought to document the history and prevalence of smoking and smoking-related weight gain among WLS candidates. Subjects ( N = 67) presenting for bariatric surgery provided demographic information, were interviewed about smoking, and were weighed and measured prior to operation. Sixty-seven percent of patients reported a lifetime history of smoking, and 26.9% were current smokers. Among lifetime smokers who had attempted to quit, the average maximum amount of weight gained following smoking cessation was 28.1 lb, but there was wide variability in postcessation weight gain. These data suggest that smoking among candidates for bariatric surgery is prevalent and that previous cessation attempts were associated with considerable weight gain. Because patients often receive recommendations to quit smoking and lose weight prior to surgery, additional information on the impact of presurgical smoking cessation on long-tem weight control in this population is needed.

Psychiatric Disorders Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates: Relationship to Obesity and Functional Health Status

The present study was designed to document psychiatric disorders among candidates for weight loss surgery and to examine the relationship of psychopathology to degree of obesity and functional health status. The authors collected demographic and clinical information from 288 individuals seeking surgery. Assessments were administered independently of the preoperative screening and approval process. The study group was mostly female (83.3%) and white (88.2%). Mean body mass index (BMI) of the group was 52.2 kg/m(2) (SD=9.7), and the mean age was 46.2 years (SD=9.4). Approximately 66% of the participants had a lifetime history of at least one axis I disorder, and 38% met diagnostic criteria at the time of preoperative evaluation. In addition, 29% met criteria for one or more axis II disorders. Axis I psychopathology, but not axis II, was positively related to BMI, and both axis I and axis II psychopathology were associated with lower scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Current and past DSM-IV psychiatric disorders are prevalent among bariatric surgery candidates and are associated with greater obesity and lower functional health status, highlighting the need to understand potential implications for surgery preparation and outcome. Future work also will focus on the course of psychiatric disorder during the post-surgery period and its relationship to weight loss and maintenance.

Obesity in the United States: Is there a quick fix? Pros and cons of bariatric surgery from the adult perspective

Over 60% of the American population is either overweight or obese. Conventional treatment through decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity has been minimally effective in achieving sustained weight loss. Pharmacotherapies are effective in inducing some weight loss; however, lost weight is regained once the medications are stopped. Surgical weight loss is the only treatment that has been demonstrated to achieve durable weight loss, with sustained weight loss for at least 14 years and improvements in or complete resolution of associated comorbidities and improved quality of life. Based on the National Institutes of Health 1991 Consensus Conference guidelines, 16 million Americans are currently potential candidates for weight loss surgery. Although this is an effective treatment for appropriate candidates in the short term, education on nutrition and increased physical activity is more likely to be effective over the long term. One hopes that current research efforts in obesity and public awareness will lead to a decrease in the prevalence of this disease.

Behavioral and Psychological Factors in the Assessment and Treatment of Obesity Surgery Patients

To provide evidence-based guidelines on the psychological and behavioral screening of weight loss surgery (WLS) candidates and the impact of psychosocial factors on behavior change after gastric bypass surgery. The members of the Behavioral and Psychological subgroup of the Multidisciplinary Care Task Group conducted searches of MEDLINE and PubMed for articles related to WLS, behavior changes, and mental health, including quality of life (QOL) and behavior modification. Pertinent abstracts and literature were reviewed for references. A total of 198 abstracts were identified; 17 papers were reviewed in detail. Search periods were from 1980 to 2004. We found a high incidence of depression, negative body image, eating disorders, and low QOL in severely obese patients. Our task subgroup recommended that all WLS candidates be evaluated by a licensed mental health care provider (i.e., psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker), experienced in the treatment of severely obese patients and working within the context of a multidisciplinary care team. We also recommended development of pre- and postsurgical treatment plans that address psychosocial contraindications for WLS and potential barriers to postoperative success. The psychological consequences of obesity can range from lowered self-esteem to clinical depression. Rates of anxiety and depression are three to four times higher among obese individuals than among their leaner peers. A comprehensive multidisciplinary program that incorporates psychological and behavior change services can be of critical benefit in enhancing compliance, outcome, and QOL in WLS patients.