Introduction: Elective surgeries were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in several obese patients waiting for bariatric surgery, lengthening the time to surgery, and prolonging the pre-surgery stage while undertaking periods of being locked down. Psychological issues have been found in locked down populations, with eating patterns changing, psychological issues exacerbated and vulnerable populations at greater risk. It was hypothesized that patients who underwent bariatric surgery and recovery prior to the pandemic would have better wellbeing scores compared to those who underwent surgery or were waiting for surgery during the pandemic.
Design: Participants were recruited via an anonymous online survey from bariatric surgery support groups. Data was analysed using SPSS statistical software.
Method: 198 persons who have either undergone bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding) or are waiting for surgery were recruited by an anonymous online survey, a percentage of whom may have undergone psychological counselling. The SF36 which assess physical and mental well-being and the DASS-21 which measures depression, anxiety and stress was used.
Results: Type of surgery undergone was determined for each participant, number of psychological intervention sessions attended and time since surgery was recorded to determine if there was any difference between wellbeing scores across the groups. The groups consisted of gastric sleeve surgery (vertical sleeve gastrectomy), rouxen-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and were examined to see if counselling had any impact on wellbeing scores pre and post pandemic and to see if the pre-pandemic groups had higher wellbeing scores.
Conclusion: The study aimed to test the hypothesis of better wellbeing for patients who underwent surgery prior to pandemic. Results concluded the opposite, with wellbeing scores higher for those who underwent surgery during the pandemic.
Disclosure of Interest: None Declare