Effects of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery on Physical Outcomes, Mental Health, and Quality of Life Among Obese Patients in China

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of metabolic and bariatric surgery on physical outcomes, mental health, and quality of life (QOL) among obese patients in China.MethodsIncluded were 182 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (LSG, a form of metabolic and bariatric surgery). Effects on postoperative weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, and the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) were observed during the 12 months after surgery. Changes in physical comorbidities were also determined. Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Self-rated Anxiety Scale (SAS); depressive symptoms by the Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS); and QOL by the SF-36 scale. Assessment points were at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, and %EWL after surgery (<i>P</i> < 0.05). The remission rates for hypertension, diabetes, fatty liver, hyperlipidemia, and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) were 89.5%, 95.5%, 82.6%, 81.7%, and 61.7%, respectively, 1 year after surgery (<i>P</i> < 0.05). Anxiety (SAS) and depressive (SDS) symptoms decreased significantly over time (<i>P</i> < 0.05). SF-36 scores in the physical and psychological domains increased significantly (<i>P</i> < 0.05). However, overall SF-36 scores were higher at 6 months compared to 12 months (<i>P</i> < 0.05).ConclusionLaparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty results in significant weight loss in the short term, which can improve anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and QOL in obese patients. However, some social and psychological improvements appear to plateau at 6 months following surgery.