A Test of the Stress-Buffering Hypothesis of Social Support among Bariatric Surgery Patients

Abstract Background The buffering effect of social support against a range of stress-related health outcomes has been well-documented; however, no previous work has examined the applicability of this model to bariatric surgery outcomes. Objectives The current study sought to address whether social support interacts with stress in predicting post-surgical outcomes, as well as whether these associations may vary by gender. Setting Teaching hospital, United States Methods Data were collected using retrospective chart review (n = 548). Stress, patient gender, and social support were explored as predictors of curvilinear weight loss trajectories during the first year following surgery using growth curve modeling. Results Attendance at follow up appointments was poor, with 250 patients at 6 months and 187 at 12 months. On average, these patients lost 27% of their total body weight between baseline and the 12 month follow up. Overall, weight-related emotional support appeared to be most relevant to weight loss/maintenance in this population; cohabitating with a spouse/significant other and attendance at support group meetings did not predict weight loss or show any significant interactions with stress. Conclusions The current study found only partial support for the stress-buffering model of social support among bariatric surgery patients. Such findings have important implications for assessment and follow-up care after bariatric surgery, as well as for future research in this area.