A qualitative exploration of couples' expectations and experiences of adjusting to changes following metabolic and bariatric surgery.

Abstract

Purpose: Although metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective weight loss treatment, patients can find it difficult to adjust to changes post-surgery. To-date, there has been limited research into patients' and partners' experiences of managing this journey. This qualitative study explored couples' expectations and experiences of change, where one individual within the couple had undergone MBS.

Materials and methods: Potential participants were identified by staff within a National Health Service (NHS) Bariatric Service. Sixteen semi-structured joint interviews were conducted, with patients and partners interviewed together (N = 32). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Five themes were identified around; (1) 'the patients' decision to have MBS', including being determined despite others' concerns; (2) 'the importance of feeling supported', which highlighted that partners felt overlooked; (3) 'learning to eat again', encompassing patients and partners adjusting to physical changes following surgery; (4) 'Improved health and quality of life' and acknowledging the importance of maintaining changes and avoiding complacency; (5) changes to 'confidence and body image', including managing unforeseen disappointments following initial expectations of surgery.

Conclusion: Couples discussed how pre-surgery goals often required reappraising after surgery and that partners played a key role in supporting patients in adjusting to necessary physical, social and psychological changes before, during, and after surgery. This suggests that more holistic support is needed to reduce the risk of expectations being misaligned with the changes experienced after MBS, including providing support to important others who can help enhance patient adjustment.