Post-Surgical Bariatric Patients' Perceptions, Expectations, and Experiences After Weight Loss Surgery

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.