The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Social Life

Obesity is a big health problem that many people face around the world. The World Health Organization considers it one of the most serious public health issues. For people struggling to lose weight, bariatric surgery has proven to be the most effective way to lose weight and lower the risk of related health problems. The two most common types of bariatric surgery are Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Recently, a new surgery combining both methods called single anastomosis sleeve ileal bypass has also been introduced.

#Current Understanding of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery usually measures success by looking at weight loss and reductions in related health issues. However, there is less focus on how these surgeries affect a person's social life and feelings. Research shows that strong social relationships can help people stay healthy and even live longer. People with obesity may find social situations less enjoyable than those of normal weight. They might avoid social gatherings, work opportunities, shopping, and other activities because they feel judged due to their weight. This avoidance can lead to a disconnection from social life, making their social skills weaker.

Some studies indicate that Emotional Eating is linked to not wanting to socialize. People may eat to deal with loneliness, but this can lead to greater feelings of isolation due to the stigma attached to obesity. Thus, feelings of loneliness and obesity can feed into one another. Many people with severe obesity report feeling less happy during social activities compared to those of normal weight.

#Research on Social Interaction After Surgery

Only a few studies have looked at how bariatric surgery affects social interaction. One study that followed patients for ten years found that those who had surgery reported better Social Interactions compared to those who did not have surgery. Another study found that losing weight through surgery improved social connections. Many people who had surgery mentioned that they received more positive social feedback afterward and enjoyed social activities more. However, some participants also expressed mixed feelings or reported negative experiences.

This current trial aims to fill in the gaps in understanding how the two most common types of bariatric surgery impact daily social interactions one year after surgery. It will also look at biological and psychological aspects of social experiences.

#Goals of the Study

#Primary Goals

The main goal of the study is to see how patients feel about their daily social interactions one year after undergoing either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

#Secondary Goals

The secondary goals include examining broader aspects of social experiences, such as emotional responses to social situations, reactions to touch, and levels of certain substances in hair samples that indicate well-being. The study will also check if results differ in a short follow-up conducted six weeks after surgery. Additionally, researchers will look at whether Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has a bigger impact on social interactions than sleeve gastrectomy. They will explore changes in psychological health, body image, eating habits, and other quality-of-life measures in participants over time.

#Study Design

This study is a clinical trial with two main groups for the two types of surgery, with a third group for those undergoing the new combination surgery. The study will take place at a specialized health center for obesity and nutrition in Norway.

#Study Setting

This research is being conducted at a hospital that handles a large number of Bariatric Surgeries each year. Before the pandemic, around 180 to 200 surgeries were performed annually, but that number dropped during the pandemic.

#Involvement of Patients

A patient representative is part of the study's planning team to ensure that patient interests are considered throughout the research process. Participants will be kept informed about the study's findings.

#Who Can Participate?

#Inclusion Criteria

To be eligible for the study, patients must:

• Have a scheduled surgery
• Agree to be part of the study
• Be between 18 and 80 years old
• Understand Norwegian well enough to fill out questionnaires

#Exclusion Criteria

Certain individuals cannot participate, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have severe chronic illnesses, or are experiencing acute psychosis.

#What Participants Will Experience

This trial does not involve random assignment of participants to different treatments. Each participant will have one type of bariatric surgery. The outcomes will be assessed before and after surgery.

#Types of Surgery

1. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: In this procedure, a small pouch is created in the stomach, and a part of the small intestine is connected to this pouch. This method affects how food is processed and leads to weight loss.

2. Sleeve Gastrectomy: This method removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This also affects digestion and promotes weight loss.

3. Single Anastomosis Sleeve Ileal Bypass: This procedure combines aspects of the previous two surgeries and is a newer option.

#Care During the Study

Participants will follow standard treatment protocols related to their surgery. There are no specific rules about additional treatments during the trial.

#Measuring Outcomes

#Primary Outcome

The key outcome to be measured is the change in social experience scores. Participants will fill out a questionnaire about their daily social interactions before surgery and one year after.

#Secondary Outcomes

Secondary measures will cover changes in emotional reactions to social situations, responses to touch, and levels of certain biological markers. These will be assessed at the same time points as the main outcome.

#Patient Visit Schedule

The study will involve multiple visits. Patients will complete the initial assessment about four weeks before surgery and will return for follow-ups six weeks and one year after surgery.

#Sample Size and Recruitment

The study aims for a total of 113 participants to allow for some who may not complete the study. Participants will be informed about the study through hospital visits and will have one-on-one contact to invite them to participate.

#Data Collection and Management

Data will be gathered at each visit, and participants will fill out the social experience questionnaire after each visit. All data will be kept safe and private, using secure systems to ensure confidentiality.

#Statistical Analysis

Different statistical methods will be used to examine the outcomes. Changes in scores will be compared before and after surgery to see if there are significant differences. Researchers will explore various factors that might affect these outcomes.

#Monitoring and Ethics

A group of experts, including healthcare professionals and a patient representative, will monitor the study. They will meet regularly to ensure everything is running smoothly and that participants are safe. Any negative incidents will be reported.

#Conclusion

This study aims to provide valuable insights into how bariatric surgery affects social interactions and personal feelings related to social experiences. By focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects, the research hopes to improve understanding and inform future work in this area. The results could lead to better support for patients undergoing these surgeries.