Positive Psychology for Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients

Overseen By Heidi Hansen, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Larissa McGarrity, Ph.D.

Disqualifiers: Both had bariatric surgery, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if a positive psychology program, Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect), can reduce depression in individuals who underwent bariatric surgery and their partners. The trial also seeks to assess whether this program can boost resilience, improve relationship satisfaction, and aid in maintaining weight, eating habits, and physical activity. Couples who participate will either begin the program immediately or after an 8-week wait. Ideal participants are couples where one partner had bariatric surgery 1 to 3 years ago, and both partners experience depressive symptoms, relationship challenges, or lifestyle changes. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore new methods for enhancing emotional and physical well-being after bariatric surgery.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems to focus on a psychological intervention, so it's unlikely that medication changes are required, but you should confirm with the trial organizers.

What prior data suggests that this positive psychology intervention is safe for post-bariatric surgery patients?

In a previous study, researchers found that activities focused on positive thinking can improve mental health and relationship satisfaction. These programs aim to increase positive feelings and actions, which can be especially helpful for people recovering from major life changes, like weight-loss surgery.

The ReConnect program is a positive thinking activity specifically designed for people who have had weight-loss surgery and their partners. Research suggests that these activities are generally easy for people to participate in without major problems. Reports indicate no serious side effects from these activities, as they mainly involve exercises to boost mood and relationships.

Overall, the ReConnect program is expected to be safe for participants. Since it focuses on mental and emotional support, there is little risk of physical harm. Participants may find it helpful for improving mood and strengthening their relationships after surgery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the ReConnect program because it approaches post-bariatric surgery care with a focus on positive psychology. Unlike traditional treatments that mainly focus on dietary and physical health, ReConnect emphasizes mental well-being, which is crucial for sustaining long-term weight loss and improving quality of life. By integrating psychological support through positive reinforcement and mental health strategies, ReConnect aims to provide a more holistic approach, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

What evidence suggests that the ReConnect intervention could be effective for improving depressive symptoms in post-bariatric surgery patients?

Research has shown that activities focused on positive thinking can improve mental health and well-being. These activities often aim to boost happiness, resilience, and satisfaction in relationships. Managing these areas is important for people who have had bariatric surgery because they may face issues like depression and regaining weight. Early findings suggest that participating in organized, positive activities can lift mood and improve coping skills. By including these strategies in everyday life, patients might enjoy better mental health and maintain healthier habits. In this trial, participants in the Intervention Condition will receive the ReConnect program, which uses proven positive psychology techniques. Although specific data on ReConnect is limited, this approach is designed to enhance mental health outcomes for post-bariatric surgery patients. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Larissa McGarrity, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Utah Craig Neilsen H. Rehabilitation Hospital

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adult couples where one partner had bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) 1-3 years ago at the participating institution. They must be cohabiting, in a romantic relationship since before the surgery, and both willing to enroll in the study.

Inclusion Criteria

My partner or I had weight loss surgery at a participating hospital.

I have been with the same romantic partner since before my weight loss surgery.

I had weight loss surgery 1 to 3 years ago at a participating hospital.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in the ReConnect intervention for 8 weekly modules, involving positive psychology activities both individually and as a couple

8 weeks

Remote sessions

Waitlist Control

Participants in the waitlist control condition wait for 8 weeks before starting the intervention

8 weeks

Remote check-ins

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, resilience, relationship satisfaction, eating behaviors, and weight maintenance

8 weeks

3 assessments at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Reimagining Us in the Context of Bariatric Surgery (ReConnect)

Trial Overview The trial tests 'ReConnect', a remote positive psychology program designed for post-bariatric surgery patients and their partners. It checks if this 8-week intervention can improve depression, resilience, satisfaction in relationships, healthy behaviors, and weight maintenance compared to those on a waitlist.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Waitlist Control Condition Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 8 weeks of check-in surveys/follow-ups followed by 8 weeks of ReConnect, as well as 3 assessments (baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks).

Group II: Intervention Condition Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 8 weeks of ReConnect followed by 8 weeks check-in surveys/follow-ups, as well as 3 assessments (baseline, 8 weeks, 16 weeks).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Larissa McGarrity, Ph.D.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Collaborator

Trials

394

Recruited

404,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

An eight-week cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group for 17 post-operative bariatric surgery patients led to significant improvements in psychological distress and weight-related adjustment, with benefits maintained at a 3-month follow-up.

Patients reported good attendance and satisfaction with the CBT group, indicating that this intervention is acceptable and potentially beneficial for enhancing psychological wellbeing after surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of a CBT psychotherapy group on post-operative bariatric patients. Beaulac, J., Sandre, D.[2020]

Bariatric surgery can lead to sustainable weight loss and improved quality of life, but patients often experience ongoing tension and ambivalence regarding their body image and health habits long after the procedure.

Emotional challenges, such as stress and shame related to weight regain, highlight the need for continued support and management of health-related behaviors post-surgery, as physical changes do not guarantee lasting changes in lifestyle.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Totally changed, yet still the same: patients' lived experiences 5 years beyond bariatric surgery. Natvik, E., Gjengedal, E., Råheim, M.[2013]

Weight regain after bariatric surgery leads to feelings of defeat and failure among women, contributing to social isolation, despite their overall gratitude for the surgery.

The study highlights the importance of understanding the psychological factors influencing weight regain, suggesting that healthcare teams need more qualitative research to address these issues effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Weight regain among women after metabolic and bariatric surgery: a qualitative study in Brazil. Carvalho, Ad., Turato, ER., Chaim, EA., et al.[2018]

Bariatric surgery can lead to significant psychosocial challenges, as many patients (up to 74%) still experience body image distortion or dissatisfaction even after weight loss, highlighting the need for comprehensive post-operative support.

The study identified four key themes in patients' experiences post-surgery: shopping for a new body, relationship transitions, focus on the new body, and the struggle with their previous identity, suggesting that psychological adjustment is crucial for successful long-term outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

'Shopping for a new body': descriptions of bariatric post-operative adjustment. Perdue, TO., Neil, JA.[2021]

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery reported feelings of 'abandonment' and 'isolation' regarding their follow-up care, indicating a significant gap in support for their psychological and social well-being post-surgery.

The study emphasizes the need for more flexible and holistic follow-up care that includes addressing long-term social and psychological challenges, as well as integrating peer support to improve patient experiences after surgery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patients' experiences of life after bariatric surgery and follow-up care: a qualitative study. Coulman, KD., MacKichan, F., Blazeby, JM., et al.[2021]

Patients in an online bariatric support group positively viewed their post-surgery lack of appetite, but also expressed concern about it, indicating a complex relationship with their eating habits after surgery.

Monitoring food intake and discussing weight stabilization were key social support mechanisms within the group, suggesting that weight management is influenced by social practices rather than being solely an individual responsibility.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Monitoring and normalising a lack of appetite and weight loss. A discursive analysis of an online support group for bariatric surgery. Cranwell, J., Seymour-Smith, S.[2012]

The study involving 11 patients and 11 healthcare practitioners revealed that the patient-practitioner relationship post-bariatric surgery is crucial for effective rehabilitation, but often lacks open dialogue about the emotional challenges faced by patients.

By fostering better interpersonal connections and addressing psychosocial issues, healthcare practitioners can enhance patient engagement and improve outcomes in post-surgery care, leading to better self-care and health management.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The patient-practitioner interaction in post bariatric surgery consultations: an interpersonal process recall study. Natvik, E., Lavik, KO., Ogden, J., et al.[2023]

Patients who underwent bariatric surgery believe that psychological care is crucial for their treatment success, particularly in adjusting to lifestyle changes, self-identity, and relationships post-surgery.

Participants expressed a desire for psychological aftercare to be recommended by their medical team and integrated into standard post-operative management, highlighting the need for supportive services in this context.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Patient perspectives on psychological care after bariatric surgery: A qualitative study. Chan, JKY., King, M., Vartanian, LR.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05958615

Positive Psychology Intervention for Patients Post-bariatric ... Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for severe obesity and associated co-morbidities. However, around 2 years after surgery, a substantial ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38421026/

Outcomes and Management of Re-Establishing Bariatric ... This study highlights recurrent weight gain as the most common reason for patients after MBS seeking to re-establish care with the MBS team.

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Chao-Yan-2128148170/publications/3

Chao Yan's research works | Vanderbilt University and ... Background: Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity, but it requires comprehensive postoperative self-management to achieve optimal outcomes.

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The Impact of Reoperations Following Bariatric Surgery on ... Major complications requiring reoperation within 30 days of gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy did not affect long-term outcomes.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Xinmeng-Zhang-2167115622

Xinmeng Zhang's research works | Vanderbilt University ... Background Bariatric surgery is an effective intervention for obesity, but comprehensive postoperative self-management is essential for optimal outcomes. While ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39547888/

Analysis of emergent reoperations after bariatric surgery Reoperation after primary bariatric surgery is rare but occurs within 24 hours in approximately one third of the cases after SG and one quarter of cases ...

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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Patient Care Discover how the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation advances treatment for disabilities, pain and impaired function through innovative ...

8. facs.org facs.org/media/oezcoesg/may-2025-acs-bulletin.pdf

Critical View of Safety Minimizes Risk of Bile Duct Injury With patient-centered care now a mandate, the surgeon and surgical care team are more closely aligned with the wants and needs of the patients.