ABSTRACT
Bariatric surgery is the most durable and effective tool for weight loss and weight-related comorbidities, but outcomes are largely dependent upon behavioral factors. Binge eating, night eating, and graze eating are common before surgery, and although patients may expect that the surgery will help them feel in control of eating, maladaptive eating behaviors may reemerge after surgery and compromise outcomes. Thus, behavioral health providers play an important role in identifying eating disorders (EDs) before surgery, providing education about the potential for relapse after surgery, and providing pre and postsurgical treatment. This chapter reviews the prevalence of EDs before and after surgery, summarizes the literature regarding evidence-based treatments in this population, and uses case examples to highlight special considerations when adapting ED treatment to bariatric patients.
