The post-surgical treatment of the bariatric patient: Helping the patient succeed

Background: A psychological profile of the average bariatric patient demonstrates psychopathology that may contribute to patient noncompliance with postsurgical treatment guidelines. Methods and results: Patient psychopathology is analysed with regard to noncompliance and its contribution to poor surgical outcome. The interpersonal process approach is reviewed as a psychotherapeutic framework that provides interventions to patient psychopathology. Conclusions: Treatment of patient psychopathology with the interpersonal process approach encourages postsurgical compliance and helps patients succeed.