A recent journal published online in the Archives of Surgery website documented that following weight loss surgery (WSL) patients are more likely to increase frequency of substance use (drug, alcohol, and/or tobacco use).The study included 155 participants who were primarily female and included both Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery. The increase in substance abuse did not occur immediately following surgery, but slowly increased within the following two years. Alexis Conason, Psych. D., from the New York Obesity and Nutrition Research Center also studied the relationship between weight loss surgeries and chemical dependency and found the same trends as the Archives of Surgery study.

One underlying neurobiological explanation for this trend is that one part of the brain essential in substance abuse difficulties is also responsible for binge eating disorders (Quick Tips for Wellness, 2012). As a result, when binge eating becomes an inapplicable option due to the gastric bypass or gastric band, individuals may turn to other addictive mediums. This transferring of the addictive tendency to different outlets or addictive mediums is referred to by some as “addiction swapping” (Mann).

Additionally, the way in which individuals absorb alcohol changes after the surgery, especially in the case of individuals who had Rous-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries. Rous-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries, generally done laparoscopically, allow food (and alcohol) to pass more directly through the intestines. Due to this, individuals often become intoxicated with a smaller amount of alcohol much more quickly. Dr. Jaime Ponce, a bariatric surgeon, thinks that much of the metabolizing of the alcohol that would normally occur in the stomach goes on directly in the liver, which is partially responsible for the faster intoxication and gives more “reward” in the neural pathways (Mann). If weight loss surgery patients get Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in particular, they are more at risk for alcohol abuse (Quick Tips for Wellness, 2012).

Of course, Dr. Conason points out that these findings reflect trends, and not every individual who undergoes this kind of surgery will experience an increase in substance use or abuse (Mann). It may be beneficial for individuals to consider their own addiction history and family substance abuse history before getting weight loss surgery (Quick Tips for Wellness, 2012).  It may be a potential health problem to keep an eye on and prevent from becoming severe. Dr. Conason recommends carefully monitoring for signs of chemical dependency or abuse following weight loss surgery (Mann).

Undergoing weight loss surgery is a major life change and the resulting stress may also lead to manifesting underlying chemical dependency tendencies. Regardless of whether or not and individual is prone to or at risk of substance abuse, seeking psychological treatment and support during the transition leading up to and following weight loss surgery can help with a variety of psychological stressors.

Bibliography

Mann, D. (n.d.). Weight-Loss Surgery May Boost Risk for Alcohol, Drug Abuse: Study. Retrieved from Health Day.

Quick Tips for Wellness. (2012, October 18). Increased drug, alcohol and cigarette use associated with post-Weight Loss Surgery. Retrieved from HamptonRoads.com.

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