Long-Term Studies of Mental Health After the Greenville Gastric Bypass Operation for Morbid Obesity

462 patients underwent gastric bypass operations at the East Carolina University School of Medicine from 1980-1989. 157 of these patients were studied to examine the effects of the operation on mental health. The significant improvements that were observed at 6 & 12 months were eroded by the end of 2 years. The return to preoperative mental health status, plus the late occurrence of 3 suicides & 2 deaths from alcohol abuse, indicate the need for long-term follow-up & continued emotional support.