Psychological intervention to candidates for surgery Bariatric in a public hospital in Brazil

Abstract

We evaluated a psychological intervention program to patients eligible for bariatric surgery, performing lifting coping strategies, anxiety manifestations and lifestyle changes, comparing them to obese patients without exposure to the intervention. The cognitive-behavioral program consists of 12 group sessions, in which they are addressed issues relevant to the process of habit change and preparation for surgery. The comparison of pre and post-intervention and between groups showed improvements in the experimental group. It is highlighted the importance of continued counseling as a promoter of skills required to face adverse situations of obesity and treatment. Studies with larger samples, and more attention to anxiety variables are suggested.