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t h
E u r o p e a n C o n g r e s s o n
Obesity and
Eating Disorder
Obesity 2018
Journal of Obesity & Eating Disorders
ISSN 2471-8203
A p r i l 1 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
Page 25
W
hile candidates for bariatric surgery are commonly required to have
a preoperative psychological assessment, less emphasis is placed
on assessing and treating the post-surgical behavioural issues which arise.
International standards regarding postoperative care vary, and it is important
to recognize the emotional impacts of dramatic weight loss. Issues to be
addressed include the presence of disordered eating behaviour and how
they may vary from typical maladaptive eating issues. The increased risk of
substance use following bariatric procedures has received more attention in
the research literature, but clinicians and patients alike often underestimate
the potential impacts. Most significantly, alcohol use disorders deserve
special focus as there a growing body of evidence that such problems not
only are more likely to surface postoperatively, but that the incidence seems
to increase with time. Relational concerns arise following significant weight
loss, not only in terms of the individual’s expectations of others, but in terms
of how others react to the dramatic changes seen in bariatric patients. This
can lead to emotional distance which can disrupt friendships and even
increase the risk of divorce. On a similar note, the relation with the self can
be challenged, especially in terms of self-image, particularly when there is a
mismatch between an internalized view and a changing external appearance,
an issue magnified by the problem of excess skin. This talk will focus on the
many emotional challenges faced by an individual with significant weight
loss. Attendees will gain a better appreciation for the behavioural problems
which may arise after successful bariatric surgery and ways to approach their
treatment.
Biography
Paul Davidson serves as the Director of Behavioural Services at
the Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Brigham and
Women’s Hospital in Boston. He obtained a BA in Psychology
from Brandeis University and earned his PhD in Clinical Psy-
chology at Brigham Young University. He completed an Adult
Internship and Child/Adolescent Fellowship at the Cambridge
Hospital/Harvard Medical School. He serves as the Chair of the
Integrated Health Support Group Committee for ASMBS. He is
an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has spo-
ken internationally about bariatric topics. He has published in
numerous journals, is an Associate Editor for the
Obesity Sur-
gery
journal and a Reviewer for
Surgery for Obesity
and Relat-
ed Disorders. He is passionate about his commitment to his
patients, integrative care, and advancing behavioural medicine
research.
pdavidson@bwh.harvard.eduPostoperative psychological issues in bariatric surgery
Paul Davidson
Harvard Medical School, USA
Paul Davidson, J Obes Eat Disord 2018, Volume: 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-8203-C1-008