Risk perception of bariatric surgery in patients with different obesity-related comorbidities

The preoperative stage of bariatric surgery requires that the patient be informed of the obesity-related comorbidities and the risks, benefits, and consequences of surgery. The study examined the preoperative risk perception of bariatric surgery in 128 patients with different comorbidities (heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea and dyslipidemia). Risk perception of surgery and associated comorbidities were evaluated using a risk perception questionnaire. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, systemic hypertension, and sleep apnea were significantly more likely to perceive the risk of surgery compared to those with the other comorbidities. The results showed that educational interventions expand the risk perception of surgery, but independently of the perceived risk of the different comorbidities of obese patients. The study points to the possibility of identifying predictive factors of behavioral intention related to risk perception to improve short and long-term treatment outcomes in patients whose comorbidities are seen as posing no additional health risk.