Outcomes of bariatric surgery in patients with depression disorders

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of sleeve gastrectomy in patients suffering from depression compared with those who are not in a depressive state. INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered a global epidemic. Often patients with obesity suffer from depressive state. Depressive disorders may be both a cause and a consequence of obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study includes 300 consecutives patients that underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Out of the 300 patients, 253 (84.33%) of them completed the follow up for three years. RESULTS: Out of the 300-patients, with the average age of 41.65±11.05 years old, the ratio of males to females was 1:2. The average baseline BMI was 42.02 kg/m2. A total of 105 (35.33%) of the patients suffer from depression, which was more common in male (43%) than in female (31.5%), with statistically significant difference (p = .05). Comparing the weight loss after surgery in both groups, the mean weight loss in the depression-group was 12.0 ΔBMI and in the non-depression group was 13.03 ΔBMI, (p< .001). After three years, 94 (88.68%) patients of the depression group responded as they were optimistic and satisfied with the results of the operation, with positive changes in their lives, 8 (7.55%) did not experience change and 4 (3.77%) expressed to have worsened their depressive state. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is successful and leads to weight loss even in subjects who are affected by depression syndrome.