Short-term and long-term post-bariatric surgery patients' challenges and sources of support: A two-stage qualitative study

IF 1.7 4区医学 Q2 NURSING

Collegian Pub Date : 2025-06-11 DOI:10.1016/j.colegn.2025.05.003

Adi Finkelstein , Ram M. Spira , Ahuva Spitz

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Bariatric surgery, while recognised as an effective intervention for morbid obesity and related comorbidities, presents significant challenges that impact patients. Despite the challenges, it is currently considered a safe and effective treatment option to treat obesity after conservative treatments have proven ineffective.

Aim

A qualitative phenomenology study aimed to explore the short- and long-term challenges and sources of support for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods

Thirteen semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with patients six months post-surgery, and twelve follow-up interviews with the same cohort at two years post-surgery, employing Braun and Clarke thematic analysis guidelines.

Findings

Three main themes emerged. In both first- and second-stage interviews, participants expressed satisfaction with their decision to undergo bariatric surgery.

However, the conflict between the loss of appetite and the continued craving for food was a significant burden for participants, especially in social gatherings. Some participants described continuously struggling with controlling portion sizes and timing, alongside unhealthy practices such as self-induced vomiting. Participants appreciated support from healthcare professionals, family, friends, and support groups.

Discussion

Our study shows that bariatric surgery should be viewed as the medical component of a broader process that includes significant educational and support elements aimed at transforming unhealthy eating habits into positive, health-promoting behaviours.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery face ongoing emotional and behavioural challenges in adapting to proper eating habits, even two years post-surgery. By offering compassionate care and continuous education, healthcare professionals, especially nurses, can empower these patients to achieve long-term optimal health outcomes and quality of life in their weight-loss journey.

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短期和长期减肥手术后患者的挑战和支持来源：一项两阶段定性研究

背景：减肥手术虽然被认为是治疗病态肥胖和相关合并症的有效干预手段，但也给患者带来了重大挑战。尽管存在挑战，但在保守治疗被证明无效后，它目前被认为是治疗肥胖的一种安全有效的治疗选择。一项定性现象学研究旨在探讨接受减肥手术患者的短期和长期挑战和支持来源。方法采用Braun和Clarke主题分析指南，对术后6个月的患者进行13次半结构化开放式访谈，并在术后2年对同一队列进行12次随访访谈。调查结果主要有三个主题。在第一阶段和第二阶段的访谈中，参与者对他们接受减肥手术的决定表示满意。然而，食欲不振和持续渴望食物之间的冲突对参与者来说是一个巨大的负担，尤其是在社交聚会中。一些参与者描述说，他们一直在努力控制食物的份量和时间，还有一些不健康的行为，比如自我呕吐。与会者感谢来自医疗保健专业人员、家庭、朋友和支持团体的支持。我们的研究表明，减肥手术应被视为一个更广泛过程的医学组成部分，该过程包括旨在将不健康的饮食习惯转变为积极的、促进健康的行为的重要教育和支持因素。结论接受减肥手术的患者在适应适当的饮食习惯方面面临持续的情绪和行为挑战，甚至在手术后两年。通过提供富有同情心的护理和持续教育，医疗保健专业人员，特别是护士，可以使这些患者在减肥过程中获得长期的最佳健康结果和生活质量。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Collegian NURSING-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

72 days

期刊介绍： Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research is the official journal of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The journal aims to reflect the broad interests of nurses and the nursing profession, and to challenge nurses on emerging areas of interest. It publishes research articles and scholarly discussion of nursing practice, policy and professional issues. Papers published in the journal are peer reviewed by a double blind process using reviewers who meet high standards of academic and clinical expertise. Invited papers that contribute to nursing knowledge and debate are published at the discretion of the Editor. The journal, online only from 2016, is available to members of ACN and also by separate subscription. ACN believes that each and every nurse in Australia should have the opportunity to grow their career through quality education, and further our profession through representation. ACN is the voice of influence, providing the nursing expertise and experience required when government and key stakeholders are deciding the future of health.