Gastric band surgery can cause psychological problems

Gastric band surgery may help obese people to lose weight, but many experts are now questioning whether they can potentially affect the mental health of a patient.

According to researchers from the University of West England and Southmead Hospital, Bristol, the answer is yes. They followed 25 people who had had gastric bands fitted to restrict their appetite, and control their rate of digestion. This type of surgery is becoming increasingly popular, as a means to help treat obesity related conditions.

Yet researchers found that over the course of a year, people living with a gastric band were likely to suffer psychologically. Some of them were used to being able to ‘comfort eat’ in order to deal with the stresses of life; without this coping mechanism, they found difficult life events more distressing than usual. They were also prone to having low-self esteem and relationship problems.

The fact is, the number of people undergoing obesity operations is on the rise. 55% more people have opted for surgery over the past 2 years. This new evidence suggests that psychological, as well as physical factors need to be taken into account when surgery is being considered.

Whilst we appear to be in the midst of a growing culture of people who look to surgery over lifestyle choices, it is important to remember that exercise and a healthy diet is the best way to achieve a healthy weight.