Intrapersonal Coping Predicts Greater Weight Loss 24 Months after Bariatric Surgery

PURPOSE:Coping is related to numerous health outcomes, including weight loss. However, the relationship between coping and weight loss after bariatric surgery remains unclear.OBJECTIVES:The first objective of this study was to examine cross-sectional relationships between coping, anxiety, and depression. The second objective was to determine whether baseline anxiety and depression predicted weight loss 24 months after bariatric surgery. The final objective was to identify which aspects of coping are related to weight loss 24 months after bariatric surgery.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Participants included 1203 adults who completed a pre-surgical bariatric evaluation, including 841 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, 396 of whom had 24-month weight data. Psychological variables were collected during a pre-surgical psychological evaluation. Weight-related variables were obtained through patients' electronic medical records 24 months after surgery.RESULTS:Baseline intrapersonal coping (e.g., problem-solving, acceptance) predicted both weight loss variables at 24 months after surgery. However, baseline interpersonal and maladaptive coping were not related to weight loss. Baseline anxiety and depression similarly did not predict weight loss after surgery.CONCLUSION:Use of intrapersonal coping strategies at baseline predicted weight loss 24 months after bariatric surgery. Clinicians should assess and bolster these self-reliant coping strategies prior to surgery to improve patient outcomes.