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Abstract

The physical changes after bariatric surgery are evident, but the significant changes in psychological and emotional effects are underscored and have not received much attention. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Irritability and Mood Swings After Bariatric Surgery and its impact on hormonal and nutritional changes. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from February 2022 to January 2023. Patients undergoing any type of bariatric surgery with no existing psychiatric conditions that required medication were included. Structured questionnaires were distributed among the participants, and informed consent was also provided. Results: The study comprised 1,014 patients, with a mean age of 33 ± 13 years. According to the Profile of Mood States (POMS), 679 (67%) of participants had clinically severe mood abnormalities before surgery, which then increased to 844 (83%) at three months and then reduced to 355 (35%) at six months (p<0.001). Compared to 740 (73%) before surgery, 902 (89%) of patients experienced moderate to severe irritation at three months (p<0.001). After six months, this percentage dropped to 446 (44%). Conclusions: The research concluded notable changes in mood, irritability, and hormone levels after bariatric surgery, including increased irritability and mood disturbance at three months, with improvement at six months. Prevalent nutritional deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D regression were also found to be associated with increased mood and irritability. Multiple hormonal variations and nutritional deficiencies were found to result in postoperative mood variation significantly.