Bariatric surgery is seldom accessed by people with serious mental illness, despite high rates of obesity in this population. It is sometimes assumed that patients with complex psychiatric histories will have poor post-surgical weight loss or exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms, although this is unsubstantiated.
A qualitative descriptive study to explore personal experiences and the impact of bariatric surgery on physical and mental well-being and life-quality in individuals with serious mental illness.
Nine adults with a history of bariatric surgery and concurrent severe depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder were interviewed about their experiences of bariatric surgery and its outcomes using semi-structured interview schedules. Data were transcribed and inductive thematic analysis undertaken.
Five broad themes emerged: (1) surgery was highly effective for weight loss, and resulted in subjective improvements in physical health, quality of life, and mental health described as
Participants benefited from bariatric surgery and felt it should be offered to others with mental illness, but with additional care and support.