De novo anorexia nervosa post-bariatric surgery

Abstract

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is generally known to decrease rates of eating disorders post-procedure. In the relatively uncommon event that an eating disorder develops de novo or recurs after bariatric surgery, most cases are associated with suboptimal weight loss or further weight gain. This case report presents the history of a 56-year-old woman without a prior eating disorder diagnosis who developed anorexia nervosa restricting type after bariatric surgery, leading to psychiatric hospitalization. Implications for surgical decision-making in tandem with psychiatric screening pre-surgically, follow-up, and management are reviewed and recommendations made.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa; Bariatric surgery; Eating disorders; Metabolic and bariatric surgery; Psychiatric follow-up; Psychiatric screening.