Bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery, is a procedure performed on people who are obese, for the sole purpose of losing weight. The weight loss is usually achieved by reducing the size of the stomach with either an implanted medical device (gastric banding) or by removal of a portion of the stomach with either sleeve gastrectomy, or biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch. Another method, called gastric bypass surgery, involves resecting and re-routing the small intestines to a small stomach pouch.
Studies have shown the procedure can significantly reduce long-term weight loss. As a result, patients have recovered from diabetes, improved their cardiovascular risks and ultimately reduced mortality caused by obesity by between twenty-three and forty percent.
But now a recent report in The American Journal of Medicine points to what may be a troubling side effect. Bariatric Surgery patients have been shown to have an increased chance of suicide when compared with the population in general.
The exact reason for the rise in suicide rates isnt clear. Researchers arent sure whether its because of mental health issues that the patient had before receiving the surgery or ones that developed after the surgery. Many people who are obese experience depression as well as other mental health issues and every patient who has bariatric surgery is required to have a complete mental evaluation before the procedure. However, a history of depression may not prevent the surgery from taking place.
There is one thing the research team does agree on: more study is necessary to understand why patients who have this surgery are at higher risk of suicide. Scientists are hoping they will be able to pinpoint those characteristics that may be responsible for an increased risk of suicide before surgery.
About the author: Robin Westen writes about health for national magazines.
See what others have to say about this story or leave a comment of your own.
