Counseling needed for bariatric surgery

BOSTON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Many who get bariatric surgery have a history of mental health problems or eating disorders so they should be prepared mentally, a U.S. newsletter says.

The January issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter says the psychological aspects of bariatric surgery, or gastric bypass surgery, are less well understood than the physical risks and benefits. Although the surgery is generally associated with improved mental health and quality of life, postsurgical psychological and behavioral changes are less predictable than physical changes, the newsletter says.

"Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety affect many people who are eligible for bariatric surgery," the Mental Health Letter says.

"The weight loss following surgery generally improves mood, at least initially, but in studies, depression and anxiety scores were reduced significantly one year after surgery, but tended to be higher two and four years later and some research found higher-than-expected rates of suicide among surgery patients."