BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is a clinically effective treatment for obesity and has been shown to be cost-effective. The impact of bariatric surgery on the subsequent ability to work and the uptake of state-funded benefits is not well documented. METHODS: A consecutive series of 79 patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were surveyed to assess changes in their ability to work and the number and type of state benefits claimed after surgery. RESULTS: 59 patients (75%) responded, median age 45, median follow-up 14 months. There was a 32% increase in the number of respondents in paid work after surgery (P<0.05). The mean weekly hours worked increased from 30.1 to 35.8 hours (P<0.01). Respondents also reported a decrease in obesity-related physical and emotional constraints on their ability to do work (P<0.01). Fewer patients claimed state benefits postoperatively (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: More patients perform paid work after LRYGBP and LAGB than beforehand, and the number of weekly hours they work increases. After surgery, patients claim fewer state benefits.
BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is a clinically effective treatment for obesity and has been shown to be cost-effective. The impact of bariatric surgery on the subsequent ability to work and the uptake of state-funded benefits is not well documented. METHODS: A consecutive series of 79 patients who had undergone laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) were surveyed to assess changes in their ability to work and the number and type of state benefits claimed after surgery. RESULTS: 59 patients (75%) responded, median age 45, median follow-up 14 months. There was a 32% increase in the number of respondents in paid work after surgery (P<0.05). The mean weekly hours worked increased from 30.1 to 35.8 hours (P<0.01). Respondents also reported a decrease in obesity-related physical and emotional constraints on their ability to do work (P<0.01). Fewer patients claimed state benefits postoperatively (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: More patients perform paid work after LRYGBP and LAGB than beforehand, and the number of weekly hours they work increases. After surgery, patients claim fewer state benefits.
Authors: Melinda A Maggard; Lisa R Shugarman; Marika Suttorp; Margaret Maglione; Harvey J Sugerman; Harvey J Sugarman; Edward H Livingston; Ninh T Nguyen; Zhaoping Li; Walter A Mojica; Lara Hilton; Shannon Rhodes; Sally C Morton; Paul G Shekelle Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2005-04-05 Impact factor: 25.391
Authors: Francesco Rubino; Michel Gagner; Paolo Gentileschi; Subhash Kini; Shoji Fukuyama; John Feng; Ed Diamond Journal: Ann Surg Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 12.969
Authors: L Lamar Snow; L Steve Weinstein; Jeffrey K Hannon; Daniel R Lane; Forrest G Ringold; Peggy A Hansen; Michael D Pointer Journal: Obes Surg Date: 2004-09 Impact factor: 4.129
Authors: John Roger Andersen; Anny Aasprang; Per Bergsholm; Nils Sletteskog; Villy Våge; Gerd Karin Natvig Journal: Obes Surg Date: 2009-04-08 Impact factor: 4.129