Obesity and co-morbid psychiatric disorders as contraindications for bariatric surgery?—A case study

INTRODUCTION: Many patients undergoing bariatric surgery report current or past psychiatric disorders and controversy exists regarding their outcome after bariatric surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of an obese patient with a borderline personality disorder, a recurrent depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress symptoms and binge eating episodes who underwent bariatric surgery. DISCUSSION: Although the psychiatric disorders remained, the procedure contributed to an improvement of the health status and well-being of the patient. Adequate psychological care after the surgical procedure is necessary to enable a long-term stabilization of patients with mental co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: Patients with psychiatric co-morbidities should not be excluded from the procedure if adequate post-operative support is provided.