The Contribution of Relationship Stability and Relationship Quality
to Weight Loss Outcomes among Bariatric Surgery Patients
Shannon M. Clark ¹, Karen K. Saules¹, Leslie M. Schuh ²,
Joseph Stote ² & David B. Creel²
1Eastern
Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI)
2St. Vincent Carmel Bariatric Center of Excellence (Carmel, IN)
Background
Method
Patients completed a survey via mail, online, or telephone that assessed a host of
variables, with the present study focusing on relationship status and satisfaction
variables. Four relationship status groups were created: Never in a relationship
(Never); Post-WLS relationship only (New-Rel); Pre-WLS relationship only (Lost-Rel);
and Pre-Post Relationship (Maintainer). Current percent excess weight loss (%EWL)
was calculated from self-reported height and weight.
%EWL loss by relationship status
(n=356)
Participants




361 post-WLS patients
Mean of 7.7 yrs post-WLS surgery
86.2% Roux-en-y gastric bypass
80.1% female; mean age = 47.7 yrs at
time of WLS
100%
100%
*
90%
70%
80%
Discussion
61.5%
60%
60%
50%
47.7%
40%
30%
30%
20%
20%
10%
10%
0%
0%
Never
(N=66/18.2%)
New-Rel
(N=23/6.0%)
Lost-Rel
(N=17/5.0%)
Relationship Status Group
Maintainer
(N=255/70.6%)
58.0%
50%
40%
With respect to documented predictors
of weight loss, %EWL did not differ by
gender, but did differ by pre-WLS BMI
(lower pre-WLS BMI associated with
greater %EWL). Analyses including preWLS BMI as a covariate revealed
relationship status group differences in
%EWL remained significant, F (3, 355) =
3.09, p = .03, as did pre-WLS BMI, F (1,
355) = 9.12, p = .003. For Maintainers,
relationship quality moderated weight
loss outcomes in that those with
improved relationships post-WLS had
significantly greater %EWL, F(2, 234) =
15.82, p < 0.000; p<.05 for Improved
>(Stayed Same = Got Worse).
79.3%
62.7%
%EWL
*
70%
68.5%
67.8%
*
90%
*
*
80%
Hypothesis
We hypothesized that better long-term
weight loss outcomes would be
associated with greater relationship
satisfaction.
%EWL by relationship satisfaction
for pre-post WLS relationship
maintainers (n=237)
%EWL
Early reports suggested that bariatric or
weight loss surgery (WLS) patients
experienced high rates of marital
discord (Neil et al. 1978). However
more recent research supports that
psychosocial functioning and the quality
of social relationships generally improve
after WLS. In particular, relationship
and sexual satisfaction generally
improve after WLS (Applegate
&
Friedman, 2008). To our knowledge,
however, the connection between
relationship satisfaction and postsurgical weight loss has not been
explored. Therefore, we examined how
the stability and quality of intimate
relationships from pre- to post-WLS
relate to long-term weight loss
outcomes.
Results
Improved
(N=102/43%)
Stayed the Same
(N=127/53.6%)
Relationship Progress
Presented at Obesity Week, 2013, Atlanta, GA
Got Worse
(N=8/0.03%)
As expected, relationship stability was
normative, and overall, relationship
satisfaction was observed, with most
patients’ relationships either improving
or remaining stable. Findings support
the importance of assessing relationship
stability and quality in pre-WLS
candidates, as healthy and stable
relationships may support improved
long term outcomes. Interventions to
improve relationships pre-and post-WLS
may increase both quality of life and
weight loss outcomes.
The Contribution of Relationship Stability and Relationship Quality
to Weight Loss Outcomes among Bariatric Surgery Patients
Shannon M. Clark ¹, Karen K. Saules¹, Leslie M. Schuh ², &
Joseph Stote ² & David B. Creel²
1Eastern
Michigan University (Ypsilanti, MI)
2St. Vincent Carmel Bariatric Center of Excellence (Carmel, IN)
References
Applegate, K.L. & Friedman, K.E. (2008) The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic
relationships. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care, 3(2), 135-141.
Neill, J.R., Marshall, J.R., & Charles, C.E. (1978) Marital changes after intestinal bypass
surgery, Journal of the American Medical Association, 240(5), 447-450.
Contact Information: sclark42@emich.edu
Presented at Obesity Week, 2013, Atlanta, GA