Background
Obesity is a globally recognized chronic disease with significant impacts on mortality, morbidity, and quality of life (QoL). Mental health challenges, particularly depression, are closely linked to obesity, with evidence suggesting bidirectional risk factors. Current literature highlights an inverse relationship between body mass index (BMI) and QoL, demonstrating that weight loss can improve QoL. Bariatric/metabolic surgery, including laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), is a proven treatment for severe obesity. However, there is no consensus on a standardized QoL assessment tool specific to post-bariatric/metabolic surgical patients. As demand for bariatric/metabolic procedures rises, developing a comprehensive QoL tool is crucial for evaluating post-surgical outcomes and improving patient-centered care.
Aims
This study aims to create a bariatric/metabolic-specific QoL questionnaire, emphasizing mental health outcomes and the surgical procedure performed.
Hypothesis
Patients undergoing RYGB will demonstrate superior mental health QoL scores compared to control groups.
Objectives
Develop a tailored QoL assessment tool for bariatric/metabolic surgical patients.
Evaluate mental health outcomes based on the surgical procedure performed.
Identify areas for enhancing post-surgical care and QoL assessment.
Methodology
QoL data will be collected from patients undergoing RYGB across participating hospitals in Ireland (June–July 2025). Existing tools (e.g., RAND-36, SF-36, WHOQOL-BREF, GERD-HRQL) will guide questionnaire development. Data will be analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with a 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Key Outputs
This study expects to provide a novel QoL assessment tool, refine clinical care protocols, and improve health outcomes by addressing the unique needs of bariatric/metabolic surgery patients. Results will inform practice guidelines, enhance patient and provider education, and drive further research into QoL optimization post-surgery.