Eating disorders are fatal illnesses that impair psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Unfortunately, eating problems are widespread among people seeking obesity therapy. According to one study, up to 49% of individuals considering bariatric surgery https://www.bariatricsurgerynewjersey.com/bariatric-surgery/ suffer from binge eating disorders. Patients with eating problems who are not treated prior to surgery are more likely to experience symptoms afterward. The data on the prevalence of various eating disorders before and after bariatric surgery is currently few, and the studies that do exist are inconsistent and reveal a wide range of incidence. Patients who receive therapy for eating disorders are substantially more likely to improve and significantly less likely to die from the disease; therefore, diagnosing and treating these diseases effectively will not only enhance their quality of life but may also save their lives. This problem's scope is difficult to quantify. The definitions of eating disorders differ amongst researchers, resulting in conflicting statistics on their frequency in this patient group. Furthermore, both patients and doctors ignore or underestimate eating problem symptoms before and after bariatric surgery. Both patients and clinicians may fail to notice that the patient's habits are indicative of an eating problem. Indeed, denial or failure to recognize symptoms is a defining component of anorexia. Patients, particularly those suffering from binge eating disorder or purging habits, feel ashamed of their activities, therefore, they are hesitant to express their symptoms or challenges. Many programs do not currently include screening for eating disorders or problems eating following bariatric surgery, thus, the diagnosis may be overlooked. Loss of follow-up among these individuals may further hinder the identification of those suffering from the condition. There is good news too - obesity specialists have the ability to improve the definition of eating disorders, conduct comprehensive screens for individuals seeking obesity therapy, and identify problematic eating patterns in postbariatric surgery patients. Warning Indicators and Danger Factors The risk factors for eating disorders and obesity are frequently the same—both are linked to a history of trauma and negative childhood experiences. An eating disorder can be caused by or result from excess weight. Eating disorders might have a hereditary basis and run in patients' families. There are several symptoms to watch for in postsurgical patients. Patients who exhibit any of the following may have disordered eating: - Not losing weight as predicted, losing less than expected, plateauing, or losing more quickly than intended; - Experience syncope, tiredness, or weariness; - Using laxatives or diuretics, which may lead to persistent electrolyte issues; - Sleep issues, which might be caused by night eating syndrome or binge eating disorder. Maintain patients' awareness of the topic. Bariatric surgery targets obesity and its comorbidities, not the eating problem, which is why screening before surgery is critical. Before bariatric surgery, doctors can employ a range of validated eating problem screening questionnaires and preoperative screening guidelines, some of which have also been modified for postbariatric surgery. Regularly asking questions about eating habits is critical for determining whether a patient has disordered eating before and after bariatric surgery. How to Determine an Eating Disorder? To diagnose eating disorders, ask questions such as: - Do you ever feel out of control when eating? - Do you feel like you eat till you are full? - Do you eat for several hours at a time? - Are you eating secretly? - Tell me about your eating/food guidelines (for example, I can eat ice cream after eating celery for lunch). - Do you engage in unhealthy habits to lose weight? - Do you use laxatives or diuretics? How are you taking them? - Do you spend more than eight waking hours without eating? - Do you spend too much time worrying about your weight, appearance, or food? - Are you able to achieve your nutritional goals? Do you miss or skip meals? - How frequently are you vomiting? Do you ever purposely vomit? The scarcity of data and the difficulties in diagnosing eating disorders in postbariatric surgery patients underline the crucial role that obesity experts play in appropriately defining, screening, and treating eating disorders before and after bariatric surgery. Obesity specialists have the potential to lengthen and enhance patients' quality of life and post-operative results.