Post-Surgical Bariatric Patients' Perceptions, Expectations, and Experiences After Weight Loss Surgery
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates the obese adult population at 400 million worldwide (Mhuircheartaigh, Abedin, Bennett, & Tyagi, 2013), with an estimated 18 million people categorized with severe or morbid obesity (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery [ASMBS], 2014). Bariatric surgery can be an effective weight loss treatment for obesity (Karmali et al., 2013). There is a portion of post-surgical bariatric patients who have suboptimal weight loss outcomes, losing less weight than expected or regaining weight lost (Karmali et al., 2013; Sarwer, Dilks, & West-Smith, 2011). A better understanding of post-surgical bariatric patients’ suboptimal outcomes was needed. The purpose of this project was to describe post-surgical bariatric patients’ perceptions, expectations, and experiences after weight loss surgery. A qualitative descriptive design was utilized with a sample size of five post-surgical bariatric patients. The project utilized a demographic questionnaire and semi-structured, open-ended questions asked in a focus group interview session. Five themes emerged from the analysis including: 1) surgery as a weight loss solution, 2) confronting physical and emotional realities, and unexpected challenges, 3) evolution of self-image, 4) weight loss surgery as a tool with personal responsibility, and 5) support, knowledge, and guidance: the missing link. An overarching theme encompassing these themes became evident as a “mixed blessing.” The findings of this project described facilitators and barriers/challenges to successful weight loss and weight maintenance post-bariatric surgery. These findings can be utilized by DNP primary care nurse practitioners to improve knowledge and understanding on how best to help obese and post-surgical bariatric patients in achieving their health and weight loss goals.Type
textElectronic Dissertation
Degree Name
D.N.P.Degree Level
doctoralDegree Program
Graduate CollegeNursing