Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the impact of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on the results of weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery). Even though bariatric surgery is effective, about 10 to 20% of patients still regain weight after the procedure. There is growing evidence that ADHD might be connected to obesity and could affect the results of weight-loss surgery. However, many patients are not screened for psychiatric conditions like ADHD, resulting in a lack of data on how ADHD and bariatric surgery interact.

The researchers went through all the studies they could find on ADHD and bariatric surgery from 1946 to August 2018. They found 104 studies, and after removing duplicates, they had a total of five studies with 492 patients to examine. They found that about 21% of these patients had ADHD. The patients were mostly women and were about 44 years old on average.

They found that there was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) - a measure of body fat based on height and weight - between patients with ADHD and those without after the surgery. However, they did find that patients with ADHD were less likely to return for follow-up appointments after the surgery.

The study concludes that while ADHD does not affect BMI after weight-loss surgery, it does seem to impact patients’ follow-up care. The researchers suggest that coming up with strategies to encourage patients with ADHD to attend post-surgery appointments could help improve the results of bariatric surgery and lower the chances of patients regaining weight.

FAQs

  1. Does ADHD affect the outcome of weight loss surgery in terms of BMI?
  2. How does ADHD impact post-surgery care for patients who undergo weight loss surgery?
  3. Why is it important to screen patients for psychiatric conditions like ADHD before they undergo weight loss surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to make sure to attend all follow-up appointments after the procedure. This is especially important for patients with ADHD, as they may be less likely to attend follow-up appointments. Regular monitoring and support from healthcare providers can help ensure successful weight loss and prevent weight regain after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with obesity who have tried other weight loss methods without success are typically recommended for obesity surgery. Additionally, patients with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure, are also candidates for bariatric surgery. Other factors that may influence the recommendation for obesity surgery include the patient’s overall health, willingness to comply with post-surgery lifestyle changes, and the presence of psychological conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Timeline

In summary, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after obesity surgery includes:

Before surgery:

  1. Patient decides to undergo bariatric surgery due to obesity and related health issues.
  2. Patient goes through pre-operative evaluations, which may include physical exams, blood tests, and psychological assessments.
  3. Patient receives counseling on the risks and benefits of surgery, as well as lifestyle changes necessary post-surgery.
  4. Patient may need to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery to reduce surgical risks.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes bariatric surgery, which may include procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover.
  3. Patient follows a strict diet and exercise regimen post-surgery to aid in weight loss.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient experiences weight loss and improvements in health conditions related to obesity.
  6. Patient may need additional support such as counseling or support groups to maintain weight loss long-term.
  7. Patient continues to monitor diet, exercise, and overall health to prevent weight regain.

Overall, the journey of a patient before and after obesity surgery involves a combination of medical, psychological, and lifestyle changes to achieve successful weight loss and improved health outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How common is it for patients with obesity to also have ADHD?
  2. How can ADHD impact the results of weight-loss surgery?
  3. What screening methods are available to diagnose ADHD in patients considering bariatric surgery?
  4. Are there any specific considerations or precautions that need to be taken for patients with ADHD before, during, and after weight-loss surgery?
  5. What strategies can be implemented to ensure patients with ADHD attend follow-up appointments after bariatric surgery?
  6. How can healthcare providers work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with both obesity and ADHD?
  7. Are there any support groups or resources available for patients with ADHD undergoing weight-loss surgery?
  8. What long-term effects can ADHD have on weight maintenance after bariatric surgery?
  9. Are there any specific medications or therapies that can help manage ADHD symptoms in patients undergoing weight-loss surgery?
  10. What are the potential risks or complications associated with weight-loss surgery for patients with ADHD?

Reference

Authors: Mocanu V, Tavakoli I, MacDonald A, Dang JT, Switzer N, Birch DW, Karmali S. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Apr;29(4):1403-1409. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-03735-5. PMID: 30706311