Social-Demographic and Behavioural Characteristics of a Morbid ObesePopulation Seeking Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is proven to be the only successful and sustainable treatment of morbid obesity. Unfortunately there is a fair amount of patients that encounter a regain of weight after years. This is probably highly associated with psychological and behavioural aspects making them substantial factors in the decision making process to diminish the risk of weight regain after bariatric surgery. Method: The purpose of this research was to describe the characteristics of morbid obese patients undergoing a preoperative screening for potential bariatric surgery, in order to improve information, pre-care, treatment and followup given to obese patients. In the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, the self-reported screening questionnaires of 345 bariatric patients were reviewed. Results: The results provided information about the patients’ support system, the educational level, work situation, eating habits, eating disorders among others binge eating disorder, coping, the high prevalence of psychical disorders and limited substance abuse. Conclusion: Further research is needed to investigate a possible gender difference. The factors relationships, family, work and coping styles in the bariatric population should be investigated more in depth, to obtain greater insight into the influence and to further personalize pre- and postoperative support of the bariatric surgery