Background

Individuals with PTSD are at increased risk of developing obesity and related metabolic conditions. Among individuals who seek metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), the most effective treatment available for severe obesity, up to 67% report a history of trauma. Given an observed relationship between pre-surgery history of trauma and elevated rates of psychopathology and/or poor postoperative psychosocial adjustment, it is recommended that behavioral health clinicians screen for current and lifetime history of trauma and PTSD during the pre-surgical psychological evaluation/consultation. Ensuring that clinicians have effective tools to identify, evaluate, and intervene on symptoms that have the potential to impact the pre- or post-surgical course is needed to maximize patient quality of life and to increase the likelihood of a positive post-surgery experience. This panel presentation will focus on the following areas, highlighting patient cases throughout: Impact of trauma on MBS outcomes: What does the literature say? PTSD assessment in patient seeking MBS: Measurement and clinical interview strategies. Recommendations to optimize MBS outcomes for patients and team members.