The case for stepped care for weight management after bariatric surgery

Systematic review of the efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care interventions for the prevention and treatment of problematic substance use

BACKGROUND

Stepped-care is a commonly recommended and implemented care model across health care domains, including substance use. Despite their presumed efficient allocation of treatment resources, a current and robust evidence synthesis is needed on the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care for substance use.

METHODS

This systematic review analyzed articles describing evaluations of stepped-care models that measured the use of acutely psychoactive substances (i.e., alcohol, cannabis, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, and stimulants) as a primary or secondary outcome, in participants over 18 years old. The analysis investigated model and participant characteristics associated with treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

The study team conducted a search of five databases of literature (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus) published between January 1, 2010, and November 1, 2020. The search yielded 1051 unique articles, 19 of which were included in the analysis. The studies had considerable variability in sample sizes (n = 18-2310), time to follow-up (4.5 months to 3 years), and retention rates (35.1-100 %). Studies examined outcomes for either alcohol alone (n = 9), alcohol and other drug use (n = 9), or drug use alone (n = 1). Most studies (n = 13;) were rated as good quality. Three (15.8 %) were rated as fair and three (15.8 %) were rated as poor quality. The evidence regarding the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care approaches is limited, but four of seven studies found that adaptive-care interventions delivered in the context of other systemic interventions produced greater benefit than control conditions in relation to at least one alcohol-related outcome. We have insufficient evidence to determine whether the modes or intensity of interventions included in the models, or decision rules used to step people up or down to differing levels of care, have an impact on outcome.

CONCLUSION

Heterogeneity between studies with regard to model and evaluation design limited the degree to which the analysis could draw robust conclusions. Sample recruitment and statistical power are particular challenges, and the field needs more innovative evaluation designs to assess the efficacy, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care models.

Are eHealth interventions for adults who are scheduled for or have undergone bariatric surgery as effective as usual care? A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of eHealth-delivered interventions for adults who undergo bariatric surgery on postoperative weight loss, weight loss maintenance, eating psychopathology, quality of life, depression screening, and self-efficacy. Six electronic databases were searched, with 14 studies (across 17 reports) included, involving 1633 participants. With substantial heterogeneity, qualitative descriptions have been provided. Interventions were delivered via an online program or internet modules (n = 2), telephone (n = 2), text messages (n = 2), videoconferencing (n = 3), mobile application (n = 1), and audiovisual media (n = 1). Three studies included a combination, including internet modules and telephone (n = 1), wireless fidelity scales, emails, and telephone (n = 1), and a combination of online treatment, weekly emails, and access to a private Facebook group (n = 1). All the eHealth interventions, except for one, implemented behavior change techniques, including self-monitoring, problem solving, social support, goal setting, and shaping knowledge. Both eHealth intervention and control groups lost weight across the included studies, and eHealth was found to be as effective as or more effective than the control for weight loss. Two studies measured weight loss maintenance; both eHealth and control groups regained weight in the longer term. The interventions showed significant improvement on assessment measures for eating psychopathology. In conclusion, when bariatric surgery patients have limited or no access to healthcare teams or require additional support, eHealth may be a suitable option. Future studies implementing eHealth interventions would benefit from reporting intervention components as per the behavior change techniques taxonomy and further consideration of delivering eHealth in a stepped care approach would be beneficial.

"If you're offered help, take it": A qualitative study examining bariatric patients' experience of telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy

The increased recognition of patients' mental health needs after bariatric surgery has resulted in the emergence of accessible psychosocial interventions; however, there is a dearth of literature on patient experience and satisfaction with these interventions. We explored patients' perceptions and experiences of telephone-based cognitive behavioural therapy (Tele-CBT) in this qualitative study. Ten participants from the Toronto Western Hospital Bariatric Surgery Program in Toronto, Canada who completed the Tele-CBT (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02920112) were individually interviewed from November 2014 to June 2016 until thematic saturation occurred (ie, no more new coding groups emerged). Interviews were transcribed, independently coded, checked for discrepancies, and analysed using grounded theory. Four themes emerged: (1) participants were generally satisfied with Tele-CBT (eg, therapeutic alliance, resources provided, relevance of therapy to their own bariatric journey), (2) participants noticed emotional, cognitive, and behavioural changes following therapy, (3) the optimal time to deliver the Tele-CBT was when weight loss plateaued, generally at one-year post-surgery, and (4) participants found the telephone modality convenient. CBT was generally found to be helpful and the telephone format increased convenience and accessibility. Patients reported learning skills and receiving resources that could help them improve their well-being following bariatric surgery.

The Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale predicts binge eating, quality of life and weight regain following bariatric surgery

Presurgical psychosocial evaluations are an important component of bariatric care; yet, bariatric programs vary widely in their assessment and interpretation of psychosocial risk. There is a need for validated clinical tools that help to standardize and streamline the assessment of variables relevant to surgical outcomes. The present study contributes to the validation of the Bariatric Interprofessional Psychosocial Assessment of Suitability Scale (BIPASS), a novel presurgical psychosocial evaluation tool, by: (a) examining the psychometric properties and optimal cutoff score, and; (b) examining the ability of the BIPASS tool to predict outcomes 1 and 2 years postsurgery, including weight regain, quality of life, psychiatric symptoms and adherence to postsurgical follow-up appointments. The BIPASS was applied retrospectively to the charts of 179 consecutively referred patients to a metropolitan bariatric surgery programme. Internal consistency for the BIPASS was acceptable, and interrater reliability was excellent. Higher BIPASS scores predicted higher binge eating symptomatology and lower mental health-related quality of life at 1 year postsurgery, and weight regain at 2 years (all P < .01). The BIPASS did not predict adherence to postsurgical follow-up appointments. Findings suggest that the BIPASS can be used to identify patients at increased risk of disordered eating, poor quality of life and weight regain early in the postsurgical course, thereby facilitating patient education and appropriate interventions.

The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to support psychological well-being in post-operative bariatric patients: A systematic review of evidence

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is considered an effective obesity management intervention for individuals with a BMI greater than 40, or 35 with co-morbidities. However, research documents that psychological difficulties prevalent amongst individuals seeking surgery may persist post-operatively. This systematic review aims to assess the evidence to show which psychosocial interventions support psychological well-being post-operatively.

METHODS

The review is registered with Prospero (CRD42018100280), complying with PRISMA guidelines. The research protocol included grey literature and database searches of psychosocial interventions for post-operative bariatric patients, between November 2017 and September 2019. The primary outcome was psychological well-being; secondary outcomes included weight loss maintenance and quality of life (QoL). The primary reviewer screened titles and extracted data. Study quality was assessed independently by two reviewers, using the Effective Public Health Practice Project criteria. Due to heterogeneity across studies, narrative synthesis was considered suitable for data analysis.

RESULTS

Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Psychosocial intervention content was delivered in a variety of ways (e.g., clinic, internet-based). Overall, participants (N = 382, Mage = 46.4) receiving psychosocial interventions post bariatric surgery, demonstrated improvements in psychological well-being and weight loss maintenance, compared to baseline measures and/or controls. The strength of evidence is currently limited by the small number of studies found and study quality, limiting the power to detect clinically meaningful changes; findings should therefore be considered preliminary.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary findings suggest that interdisciplinary interventions including acceptance-based approaches, psychoeducation, nutrition and lifestyle modification, delivered 1-year post-operative, are promising. Further scientific enquiry is warranted with well-designed studies and long-term follow-ups.

Psychiatric Management of Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Review of Psychopharmacological and Psychological Treatments and Their Impact on Postoperative Mental Health and Weight Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity; however, high rates of psychiatric comorbidity complicate bariatric surgery care. As a result, importance has been placed on the need for ongoing psychiatric support in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Given the lack of conclusive presurgery psychosocial predictors of postoperative mental health outcomes, studies have now shifted their focus to understand the long-term psychosocial sequalae that arise after surgery. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the potential for psychiatric care to stabilize psychiatric symptoms and minimize patient distress.

OBJECTIVE

To review psychopharmacological and psychological interventions for patients undergoing bariatric surgery and their impact on mental health and weight outcomes after surgery.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search in Ovid MEDLINE for studies examining the impact of psychopharmacological and psychological treatments on bariatric patients' postoperative mental health and weight outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 37 studies were included in the review. Preliminary evidence suggests that psychiatric medications do not negatively impact weight loss or health-related quality of life in the short term; however, more rigorous research designs are needed. There are insufficient data on specific psychiatric medications and long-term impact on weight loss and psychosocial outcomes. Postoperative psychological interventions have evidence for improving eating psychopathology, anxiety, and depressive symptoms; however, effects on weight loss remain unclear.

CONCLUSION

Evidence for psychopharmacological and psychological treatments remains preliminary. Consideration should be given to integrated, stepped-care models to provide personalized psychiatric interventions after surgery. Future research on expanding current psychiatric interventions, timing of delivery, and predictors of response is needed.

Personality psychopathology: Longitudinal prediction of change in body mass index and weight post-bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity, which has been increasing worldwide. However, bariatric surgery causes dramatic physical changes that can cause significant stress. Prior research has found that psychological variables such as personality traits and levels of psychopathology can influence success after bariatric surgery (in terms of body mass index [BMI] reduction and weight loss). However, most prior studies have been limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent follow up, and categorical assessment of psychopathology.

METHOD

The present study examines the predictive utility of the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) scales for three bariatric surgery outcomes (BMI reduction, weight loss, and percent excess weight loss [%EWL]) across 10 follow-up points 5 years after surgery. It also examines the largest sample of bariatric surgery-completing patients (N = 2,267) on the PAI to date. Latent growth modeling was used to examine change in the outcome variables.

RESULTS

Results indicate that personality and psychopathology variables predicted less BMI reduction, weight loss, and %EWL 5 years after surgery and also affected the trajectories of change in the outcome variables across time. The PAI scales predicted more variance in the 5-year BMI outcomes than did age and gender. The most robust effects were for scales assessing phobias, traumatic stress, identity problems, and negative relationships.

CONCLUSION

The PAI may be useful to clinical health psychologists who conduct recommended psychological evaluations with potential bariatric surgery candidates. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Disordered eating after bariatric surgery: clinical aspects, impact on outcomes, and intervention strategies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are associated with poor weight outcomes following bariatric surgery. We describe DEBs most relevant to this population, their associations with weight outcomes, and emerging data on interventions for DEBs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Loss of control eating episodes and grazing have been the most well studied DEBs in bariatric samples. Although DEBs often remit after surgery even without targeted intervention, a subgroup of patients have persistent or newly developed DEBs postoperatively. Preoperative DEBs have little effect on weight outcomes, whereas preoperative impulse control-related features commonly associated with DEBs (e.g., inhibitory control) may have stronger predictive value. Postoperatively, DEBs appear to exert robust effects on concurrently measured weight. Postoperative interventions hold promise for optimizing treatment outcomes.

SUMMARY

We recommend the following to improve clinical care and move research forward: a common language for DEB constructs is needed to improve cross-talk among researchers and care providers; diagnostic schemes and assessment tools may require tailoring for the bariatric population; mechanisms underlying improvements in DEBs following surgery should be clarified; ongoing monitoring of DEBs in the postoperative period is warranted; and a stepped-care approach may improve weight outcomes in a cost-effective manner.

Psychosocial Predictors of Response to Telephone-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Bariatric Surgery Patients

OBJECTIVE

Bariatric surgery is an empirically supported treatment for severe obesity; however, it does not directly target underlying behavioural and psychological factors that potentially contribute to obesity. Mounting evidence supports the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for improving eating psychopathology and psychological distress among bariatric patients, and telephone-based CBT (Tele-CBT) is a novel delivery method that increases treatment accessibility.

METHODS

This study aimed to identify demographic and clinical predictors of response to Tele-CBT among 79 patients who received Tele-CBT in 3 previous studies. Listwise deletion was applied, after which 58 patients were included in a multivariate linear regression adjusted for age, sex and education status, to evaluate patient rurality index (urban or nonurban), and baseline binge eating, emotional eating and depression symptoms, as predictors of tele-CBT response.

RESULTS

The predictors explained 31% of the observed variance [R²=0.312, F(4,57)=3.238, p<0.01]. Patient rurality index (beta=0.341, p<0.01) was the only statistically significant predictor of Tele-CBT response.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limited psychosocial resources available in many bariatric surgery programs, the findings suggest that Tele-CBT may be particularly beneficial for patients residing in nonurban communities with limited access to other health-care services.

Psychosocial Concerns Following Bariatric Surgery: Current Status

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of research on psychosocial concerns following bariatric surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bariatric surgery has a positive overall impact on weight and obesity-related comorbidities, as well as a positive short-term impact on mental health and psychosocial functioning. Nonetheless, research has documented a number of different psychosocial concerns that may emerge following surgery including maladaptive eating, substance use disorders, suicide, lack of social support, and excess skin. Moreover, special populations of patients may have distinctive psychosocial concerns based on sociodemographic factors such as age or severity of obesity. Available studies suggest that psychosocial interventions have a positive impact on post-surgery outcomes, particularly maladaptive eating. However, research is limited, and long-term data are lacking. Monitoring patients after bariatric surgery for negative psychosocial outcomes is warranted. Research is needed to develop and evaluate personalized approaches to optimize long-term weight loss and psychosocial adjustment.

Psychiatric Diagnoses and Weight Loss Among Adolescents Receiving Sleeve Gastrectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Severe obesity is associated with higher risk of psychiatric difficulties. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment of severe obesity. Few guidelines exist regarding the association of psychiatric diagnoses in adolescents and outcomes after surgery because of the lack of longitudinal research. Our objective is to evaluate the rates of psychiatric diagnoses in adolescents undergoing surgery compared with those not receiving surgery and the association of preoperative psychiatric diagnoses with postsurgical weight loss outcomes.

METHODS

Adolescents (N = 222) referred for psychological evaluation at one institution for bariatric surgery (2009-2017) completed semistructured clinical interviews to assess the presence and number of psychiatric diagnoses. Comparison analyses were conducted between those who did not end up receiving surgery (N = 53) and those who did (N = 169). Using longitudinal modeling, we assessed the association of preoperative diagnoses with weight loss outcomes between 3 and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Seventy-one percent of adolescents qualified for a psychiatric disorder. There were no differences in rates of specific disorders or numbers of diagnoses between those receiving surgery and those not receiving surgery. The presence or absence or number of diagnoses before surgery was not associated with weight loss outcomes after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric diagnoses are prevalent among adolescents with severe obesity. These diagnoses are not associated with weight loss outcomes. The presurgical psychological evaluation serves as an opportunity to identify adolescents experiencing psychiatric problems and provide them with care but should not necessarily be considered a contraindication to surgery.

Self-Reported Weight-Loss Methods and Weight Change: Ten-Year Analysis in the Swedish Obese Subjects Study Control Group

OBJECTIVE

The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study was designed to compare outcomes in patients with obesity treated by bariatric surgery and a matched control group given usual care. The aim of this study was to analyze self-reported weight-loss methods and weight changes over 10 years in the SOS control group.

METHODS

Self-reported weight-loss methods in the control group (n = 2,037; 71% women; 48.7 ± 6.3 years; BMI 40.1 ± 4.7 kg/m² ) were analyzed at baseline and after 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10 years of follow-up and studied in relation to weight changes.

RESULTS

The average 10-year weight change was +2.1% (95% CI: 1.4%-2.8%). At every follow-up, 82.7% (95% CI: 81.3%-84.1%) of participants reported weight-loss attempts. At 10 years, 12.5% of the participants had ≥ 10% weight loss and 22.3% had ≥ 10% weight gain. Participants who lost or gained weight reported similar usage of weight-loss methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 10 years, the majority of the participants of the SOS control group reported continuous efforts to lose weight. These results illustrate the constant struggle individuals with severe obesity are facing and that, on average, the results of long-term weight loss and weight maintenance were discouraging.