Psychological effect of a structured programme for preparing bariatric surgery patients

A bariatric surgery preparation programme based on cognitive behavioural techniques was designed and implemented in a sample of 50 candidates for bariatric surgery. All participants completed the BDI short-form and STAI (E-R) questionnaires before and after the programme implementation (Groups 1 and 2) and again after a three-month follow-up (Group 2). The programme s results are presented in terms of its effect on anxiety and depression levels three months after surgery. We found significant differences in depression and trait anxiety between pre- and post-treatment measures in both groups. Group 2 also showed significant differences between the pre-treatment and follow-up measures, but not between the post-treatment and follow-up measures. In the case of state anxiety. Group 2 showed differences between pre-programme implementation and follow- up with a large effect size, but not in the other comparisons. Conclusion: The results show a significant post-treatment reduction of anxiety and depression in bariatric surgery patients before surgery. These results do not remain stable during the follow-up and the authors are not able to establish a causal relationship.