This article discusses the outcomes of a study that reported increased death rates among bariatric patients compared to the general population. Coranary heart disease and suicide were the two most common causes of death.
Though the most common cause of death was coronary heart disease, there were 16 suicides, 10 of them women and the authors estimate that only three suicide deaths would have been expected in this number of people.
This is something worth attention. Bariatric patients must undergo psychological evalution prior to surgery and there are support groups available post-surgery. Maybe more can be done to monitor patients after surgery and recommend further psychotherapy and participation in support groups. In addition, improvements in the screening evaluation could be warranted to be sure the patient is ready for all behavioral changes that come with major surgery.
Filed under: health, obesity | Tagged: bariatric surgery, suicide
