Personality Psychopathology: Longitudinal Prediction of Change in BMI 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.