Childhood sexual abuse is not associated with a poor outcome after gastric banding for severe obesity

Background: The aim of this study was to examine whether a history of childhood sexual abuse is associated with weight, health, and depression after Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding for severe obesity. Methods: 157 patients (144 female, 13 male) filled out questionnaires on average 34 months after surgery (range 8-68 months). Results: 23% of the participants, all women, reported a history of childhood sexual abuse. There were no differences between patients with and without a history of childhood sexual abuse on weight and physical health, but the group with a history of childhood sexual abuse showed a higher level of depression. Conclusion: A reported history of childhood sexual abuse does not appear to impact on weight outcome after bariatric surgery, but some patients may need additional psychological treatment for their mental health problems.