Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy is Associated with Reduced Depressive Symptoms: A One-Year Follow-Up Study

Rezumat

Nowadays obesity is considered to be one of the most important health issues worldwide, and is associated not only with significant physical disorders but also with psychosocial morbidity. Many studies have shown that bariatric surgeries are a proven, effective therapeutic intervention in cases of severe obesity. However, because the surgery is considered to be an invasive method, some concerns rise about its potential negative effect on patient’s psychological health. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the possible positive effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on reducing depression symptoms. The results showed that the point prevalence of depressive disorders decreased significantly after surgery (p<0.01). The score on the depression scale we used significantly decreased after the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In summary, our findings speak in favor of a considerable improvement in a psychological aspect such as depressive symptoms in the course of the 1st year after the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.