Maladaptive Eating Patterns, Quality of Life, and Weight Outcomes Following Gastric Bypass: Results of an Internet Survey

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. However, evidence suggests that maladaptive eating behaviors such as binge eating, grazing, and a loss of control when eating may impact postsurgical weight outcomes. The current study sought to characterize the weight outcomes, eating patterns, and perceived health-related quality of life of individuals 3-10 years following gastric bypass (GBP) surgery and to assess the relationships between eating behaviors, weight outcomes, and quality of life. Eligible participants (N = 497) completed an Internet survey of their eating behaviors, health-related quality of life, and weight history. Participants self-reported a mean maximum postsurgical loss of 81% of their excess weight and maintained a mean weight loss of 70% 3-10 years following surgery (mean 4.2 years). Eighty-seven percent reported weight regain ranging from 1 to 124 lb (mean 22.6 lb). Frequency of binge eating, a loss of control when eating, and grazing were all significantly correlated with greater weight regain (binge eating r = 0.24, P = 0.006; loss of control r = 0.36, P < 0.01; grazing r = 0.39, P < 0.001) and lesser excess weight loss (EWL) (binge eating r = -0.21, P = 0.013; loss of control r = -0.41, P < 0.001; grazing r = -0.27, P < 0.001). Poorer health-related quality of life was associated with binge eating disorder (BED) (t[463] = 9.7, P < 0.001) and grazing two or more times per week (t[361] = 9.0, P < 0.001). These findings suggest that eating disturbances and a loss of control when eating are significant following GBP and are risk factors for diminished weight outcomes.