Factors associated with decision regret after bariatric surgery

Summary It is assumed that the individuals who undergo bariatric surgery will experience significant improvements in their health and overall well‐being. However, it is yet to be examined whether these individuals may also experience subsequent decision regret. The level of regret regarding the choice to undergo bariatric surgery was assessed 1 year after bariatric surgery using the Decision Regret Scale (DRS). Associations of regret with patient characteristics, complications, weight loss and quality of life (BODY‐Q) were investigated using linear regression analyses. In total, 115 patients completed the DRS (92% underwent Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and 8% underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG)). Two out of 115 patients indicated absolute regret about their decision to undergo bariatric surgery because of insufficient weight loss and complications. The median decision regret score was zero (range 0–80). Most patients experienced no decision regret (50.4%), followed by mild regret (34.8%) and moderate to strong regret (14.8%). Higher levels of regret were associated with having osteo‐articular disorders, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease or a history of psychiatric disorders at baseline. Patients with mild regret demonstrated significantly more weight loss and better psychological function. Major surgical complications were not associated with increased decision regret. Only two out of 115 patients (1.7%) indicated absolute regret about their decision to undergo bariatric surgery, and 15% reported moderate‐to‐strong regret according to the results of the DRS. These findings should be considered when providing pre‐operative counselling and could assist patients in their decision‐making process.