Quality of life of patients subjected to gastric bypass more than one year ago: influence of socioeconomic status

The study of the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life in patients of different socioeconomic levels (SEL) is worthwhile. To study quality of life (QoL), eating behavior, depressive symptoms and sexuality in patients subjected to a gastric bypass (GBP) more than 1 year before. The sample was composed of 33 GPB patients (19 high SEL and 14 low SEL), and 27 non-operated women (18 high SEL and 9 low SEL) of similar weight and age, as controls. Assessment included medical history anthropometry radiological densitometry. Eating behavior was assessed using the three factor eating questionnaire, quality of life using SF-36 and the Bariatric Analysis of Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck scale version II and sexual behavior using the female sexual function index (FSFI). QoL was lower in operated patients from low SEL, especially when compared to high SEL control women. Operated patients had a predominantly restrictive pattern of eating behavior Eating behavior disorders were detected in 5 of 33 operated patients versus 4 of 27 controls (p =ns). Sexual function was absent or dysfunctional in 22 operated versus 8 controls (p =0,02). No significant differences were observed for depressive symptoms, between operated patients and controls. In the long term, QoL of bariatric patients, especially those from low SEL, is inferior to control women and Chilean general population. Operated patients have restrictive eating patterns and lower sexual satisfaction indexes. Frequency of depressive symptoms was high both in bariatric and control women.