Patient Perspectives on the Course of Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Implications for Prevention, Intervention, and Future Research

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Publication Title

Clin Obes

Keywords

Humans, Bariatric Surgery, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Adult, Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, Obesity, Morbid

Abstract

Despite substantial benefits of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), up to 1 in 5 patients develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD) within 5 years post-operatively. Cognitive-behavioural processes that are relevant to the reinitiation and escalation of alcohol use post-MBS are not well understood. Through content analysis of 20 patient interviews, we explored the course of alcohol use among individuals 6 months to 5 years post-MBS and examined potential differences by level of use. Over half (55%) of the participants reported high alcohol use, most described a gradual reintroduction to alcohol post-MBS, and escalation to misuse was thought to occur at an accelerated pace (i.e., potentially within months). Pre-operative intentions, attitudes/beliefs about post-MBS alcohol use, social factors, mood, visual cues, and post-MBS biological changes were reported to influence the course of post-MBS alcohol use. Although most features did not differ widely between those with higher versus lower alcohol consumption, reinitiating alcohol less than 12 months post-operatively and certain attitudinal factors (i.e., minimising the risks) may relate to greater alcohol use post-MBS. Findings illustrate the importance of early and long-term monitoring of post-MBS alcohol use. Several implications for early intervention and future research are discussed.

Medical Subject Headings

Humans; Bariatric Surgery; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Obesity, Morbid

PubMed ID

41410390

Volume

16

Issue

1

First Page

70061

Last Page

70061

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