INTRODUCTION

As professionals in the field of weight loss surgery, it is crucial that we continue to explore the impact of the addiction factor after bariatric surgical procedures. Further, we must educate patients and families on the possibility of transferring from one type of unhealthy behavior (excessive consumption of food) to other forms of behavior that can lead a patient down an unhealthy path. The addiction factor is by no means limited to excessive food or alcohol consumption; it can show up as uncontrolled spending, drug-related difficulties, smoking, sexual promiscuity, or compulsive gambling. In fact, virtually any behavior exhibited in excess can interfere with the goals of a comprehensive bariatric surgery program.

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Bariatric Times • March 2007

by Andrea Bauchowitz, PhD, and Linda Gonder-Frederick, PhD

Both from the Behavioral Medicine Center,
Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia Read the rest of this article »