Could weight-loss surgery hurt a marriage?

iStock

After weight-loss surgery, married people tended to lose less weight than singles, and some reported a negative impact on their relationships, a recent study notes.

A research team from Ohio State University reviewed 13 studies on weight-loss surgery, published between 1990 and 2014. Four of those specifically focused on romantic relationships and how they were affected by the procedures, and six others included that data as part of their research.

One study found that married patients were 2.6 times less likely to reach their target weight a year after surgery. Another noted that single patients were 2.7 times more likely to stick to diet and exercise goals. In terms of relationship quality, three studies reported that participants had a higher interest in sex after the surgery, but that some marriages still ran into trouble.

Patients may experience physical discomfort that affects intimacy, or they may feel disconnected on a deeper level, while trying to change eating habits and physical activity levels.

Writing in a blog post for Obesity Action Coalition, weight-loss surgeon Dr. Walter Medlin noted, “Relationships change in many ways, as you change after surgery. Even though life may have been hard in many ways before surgery, leaving familiar old ways behind can be stressful.”

He added that this stress can be a threat, especially for a spouse who might feel that he or she is “losing” some version of the person who had surgery. “Some spouses have gotten away with taking advantage of power if you have had to rely on them, and may fear you will retaliate with increased freedom and power after obesity no longer limits your financial and relationship prospects,” Dr. Medlin wrote.

About 65 percent of people seeking weight-loss surgery are married. In the recent study, researchers suggested that health care teams could capitalize on the potentially positive influence of supportive and engaged spouses. In situations where the spouse is not supportive, a health care team could work to line up other resources to assist the patients in reaching goals after surgery.

Health in the News does not reflect the views, opinions or policies of UnitedHealthcare or its affiliates. Content is for general information purposes only and not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care.
Copyright 2016 by . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Could weight-loss surgery hurt a marriage?