Weight loss surgery is considered the most effective treatment for severe obesity, but results are mixed and vary from patient to patient. While surgical intervention is generally successful, not every patient achieves or maintains significant and permanent loss of excess weight. Weight loss is difficult, but new research indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy can play a key role in helping patients achieve weight loss goals.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been successfully used as a treatment for many clinical disorders, personality conditions and behavioral problems. Applying the approach to weight loss is supported by research which has shown promising results in preliminary studies. Ongoing research is being conducted to further substantiate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for weight loss.

To lose weight, it is necessary for bariatric patients to change the foods they eat and adopt healthy eating behaviors. While surgeons can alter the digestive system to promote weight loss, cognitive behavioral therapy can help bariatric patients by changing the way they think about food and alter unhealthy eating habits.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is not just “talk-therapy,” but a specific form of psychotherapy that aims to solve problems concerning emotions, behaviors and cognitions (thought processes) through a goal-oriented, systematic approach. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts affect our emotions and behaviors, thus changing our thoughts will help us change our feelings and actions for the better.

Key points of cognitive behavioral therapy include:

• The idea that thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things
• Therapy is briefer and time-limited, usually a once-a-week meeting for 8 to 12 weeks
• To unlearn unwanted reactions and to learn a new way of reacting

Many bariatric surgeons understand that overcoming severe obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach, and thus work with psychotherapists to help patients adjust to a changing lifestyle and nutritionists to assist patients with dietary challenges.

While weight loss surgery can assist with weight loss, the outcome is ultimately dependent on the actions of the patient. CBT can help you set realistic weight loss goals, change negative thought patterns, and learn healthier eating habits so that you can succeed at achieving significant and permanent weight loss after weight loss surgery.

Clinical Trials: Pre- and Postoperative Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients Accepted for Bariatric Surgery