Our Summary

This study looked at the quality of sleep in patients who had bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, or were looking to undergo this surgery. They used a tool called the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure sleep quality. The study included people who either had the surgery less than 1.5 years ago or more than 1.5 years ago, as well as those who were yet to have the surgery.

The results showed that people who had the surgery less than 1.5 years ago had better sleep quality than those who were yet to have the surgery. However, this improvement did not last for those who had the surgery more than 1.5 years ago, despite them having a lower body mass index. Age and body mass index were found to predict worse sleep quality.

The conclusion was that while bariatric surgery seems to improve sleep quality in the short term, this benefit does not last in the long term. The researchers suggest that future studies should consider other factors like health conditions and socioeconomic status, as weight regain does not seem to explain this finding.

FAQs

  1. How was sleep quality measured in this study on bariatric surgery?
  2. What does the study suggest about the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on sleep quality?
  3. What factors were found to predict worse sleep quality in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may advise a patient considering obesity surgery to also focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the surgery to help prevent weight regain and potentially improve long-term sleep quality. This could include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress levels. Additionally, discussing any sleep issues with a healthcare provider and exploring potential treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, may also be beneficial for improving sleep quality post-surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have usually tried other methods of weight loss such as diet and exercise without success, and may be at risk for serious health complications due to their weight. Bariatric surgery is considered a last resort option for these individuals to help them achieve significant and sustained weight loss.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultations with a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks of surgery
  • Patient may be required to undergo a series of medical tests to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery
  • Patient may be advised to make lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise in preparation for surgery
  • Patient may attend pre-operative counseling sessions to discuss expectations and post-operative care

After obesity surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding
  • Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any complications
  • Patient is put on a specific diet plan to aid in recovery and weight loss
  • Patient is advised on post-operative care, including physical activity and follow-up appointments
  • Patient may experience rapid weight loss in the first few months after surgery
  • Patient may need to make significant lifestyle changes to adapt to their new diet and eating habits
  • Patient may experience improvements in overall health, such as reduced risk of obesity-related diseases
  • Patient may require ongoing support and monitoring from healthcare providers to ensure long-term success and weight maintenance.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will bariatric surgery impact my sleep quality in the short and long term?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications related to bariatric surgery that could affect my sleep?
  3. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific sleep routine post-surgery?
  4. How will my current medications or health conditions affect my sleep after bariatric surgery?
  5. Are there any specific recommendations or resources available to help improve sleep quality after bariatric surgery?
  6. How often should I follow up with you or a sleep specialist to monitor my sleep quality post-surgery?
  7. Are there any specific dietary or exercise guidelines to follow that could impact my sleep after bariatric surgery?
  8. How does age and body mass index factor into potential changes in sleep quality post-surgery?
  9. Will I need to undergo any sleep studies or evaluations before or after bariatric surgery to monitor my sleep quality?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available to help improve sleep quality if bariatric surgery does not have the desired effect?

Reference

Authors: Lodewijks Y, Schonck F, Nienhuijs S. Journal: Obes Surg. 2023 Jan;33(1):279-283. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06387-0. Epub 2022 Dec 3. PMID: 36462121