A Qualitative Study of Eating Behaviours and Weight Change After Metabolic Bariatric Surgery in Women.

Abstract

Background: Weight regain after metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) poses a significant challenge to long-term treatment success. The experiences of individuals, especially in socioculturally distinct populations, remain underexplored.

Methods: This qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to examine the eating-related experiences of 20 Turkish women who had undergone MBS and regained at least 10% of their weight postoperatively. Participants were recruited from a private wellness center, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Transcripts were coded and thematically analysed.

Results: The following section presents five superordinate themes that emerged from the participants' narratives, each capturing a distinct yet interconnected aspect of their postoperative experiences. Five superordinate themes emerged: (1) food and nutrition; (2) eating habits and preferences; (3) changes in food tolerance; (4) emotional dimensions of weight; and (5) social and environmental influences. Participants reported profound shifts in their relationship with food, emotional regulation, and social dynamics. Although initial weight loss and physical health improvements were achieved, participants expressed distress over the recurrence of compulsive eating behaviours, cultural pressures, and lack of long-term psychosocial support. These findings reflect the multifaceted interplay of behavioural, emotional, and cultural factors that shape post-surgical weight trajectories.

Conclusion: This study provides culturally contextualised insight into postoperative weight regain, an area often underrepresented in bariatric literature. Effective long-term outcomes may require not only surgical intervention but also sustained behavioural support and culturally sensitive dietary counselling. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary and culturally attuned post-bariatric care models.