The Impact of Emotionality on Bariatric Surgery: A Systemic Review

• Main Authors: Williams, Brittany V., Stinson, Jill D.
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2015
• Subjects: emotionality; Bariatric surgery; systemic review; Psychology
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7910

Bariatric surgery is becoming a more common solution for weight loss in individuals with severe obesity. Much attention has been placed on negative surgery outcomes, specifically on psychosocial predictors of post-surgical weight regain and development of psychopathology. Literature on obesity suggests that eating in response to emotional cues is related to the obesity epidemic. The current review identifies all research in the literature that focuses on emotionality and emotional characteristics in bariatric surgery patients and the predicted negative impact on the surgery process from pre-surgical evaluation to post-surgical follow-up. The review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Six articles were identified in the literature meeting all review criteria, specifically focusing on emotionality in bariatric surgery patients. Results suggest high rates of emotional instability, impulsivity, and difficulty in identifying emotions in bariatric surgery patients, which could have adverse effects on the bariatric surgery process. Authors suggest that these components of emotionality may lead to negative effects following surgery, specifically concerning post-surgical dietary restrictions and weight regain. These findings suggest that further research needs to be done in the area of emotionality and bariatric surgery. Authors infer that high rates of emotional instability, impulsivity, and inability to identify emotions may have significant implications for screening and intervention; however, limitations in these studies indicate a need for further research on emotionality in bariatric surgery patients, particularly the impact of emotionality on surgery outcomes.