Quality of life one year after bariatric surgery: the moderator role of spirituality

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess quality of life in obese patients 1 year after bariatric surgery taking into consideration the influence of socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological variables. Methods: A sample of 90 patients undergoing bariatric surgery was assessed in two moments: before surgery and 1 year after surgery. Results: Social support, problem-focused coping strategies, and quality of life increased after surgery, while eating disorder behaviour and impulsiveness decreased. The presence of eating disorder behaviour predicted worse physical and mental quality of life and higher satisfaction with social support predicted better physical and mental quality of life. In addition, higher impulsiveness predicted worse mental quality of life. Spirituality moderated the relationship between impulsiveness and mental/physical quality of life. Conclusions: Interventions should focus on promoting social support and coping strategies particularly spirituality since it played an important role in quality of life.