Eating avoidance disorder and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome following gastric bypass: an under-diagnosed association.

Abstract

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) and disordered eating behavior have been reported separately after bariatric surgery. We report a patient who following a bariatric operation developed WKS associated with a disturbed eating behavior without vomiting. This morbidly obese man developed an intense fear of gaining weight in the postoperative period and engaged in an extreme form of "food avoidance behavior". 2 months postoperatively after severe weight loss, he was hospitalized with disorientation and an amnesic syndrome. He was discharged 2 months later with stable weight and regular eating habits. Despite this, at the last follow-up visit 2 years postoperatively, he still had a residual partial amnesic syndrome. The surgical team must be aware of peculiar forms of pathological eating that may appear after bariatric surgery; the emergence of an eating avoidance disorder may be associated with the development of WKS.

• Authors: Julia N Fandiño, Alexander K Benchimol, Leila N Fandiño, Fernando L Barroso, Walmir F Coutinho, José C Appolinário
• Journal: Obesity surgery (Obes Surg) Vol. 15 Issue 8 Pg. 1207-10 (Sep 2005) ISSN: 0960-8923 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16197798 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Feeding and Eating Disorders (diagnosis, etiology, psychology)
• Gastric Bypass (adverse effects, psychology)
• Humans
• Korsakoff Syndrome (diagnosis, etiology)
• Male
• Obesity, Morbid (psychology, surgery)