How to Cite
Abstract
Objective:
To assess the impact of bariatric surgery on the quality of life (QoL) among obese patients using a validated quality of life assessment tool.
Study Design:
Prospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study:
This study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, over a period of 12 months.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 20 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery were included through non-probability purposive sampling. Patients aged 18–60 years with a BMI ≥35 kg/m² with comorbidities or ≥40 kg/m² without comorbidities were enrolled after informed consent. Quality of life was assessed pre-operatively and six months post-operatively using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data were recorded in a structured proforma. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The paired t-test was applied to compare pre- and post-operative QoL scores, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results:
The mean pre-operative QoL score was 49.4 ± 2.3, which increased to 73.6 ± 2.2 post-operatively. The average improvement in QoL score was 24.2 points, which was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). All patients showed improvement across various domains of the SF-36 scale. No major complications or loss to follow-up were reported.
Conclusion:
Bariatric surgery significantly improves the quality of life in obese patients within six months of the procedure. It should be considered not only for weight reduction but also as an effective intervention for enhancing physical, emotional, and social well-being in the obese population.