Post-surgical cliff after bariatric surgery: Accounts of patients and their healthcare practitioners

Jumbe, Sandra; Meyrick, Jane; Harcourt, Diana

Abstract

The superiority of bariatric surgery for improving medical outcomes in severely obese individuals when compared to other weight loss interventions remains undisputed. However, knowledge about the psychological impact of the procedure on people’s lives is limited. Systematic reviews indicate persisting disordered psychological wellbeing after surgery compared to control groups especially longer term, suggesting need for postoperative psychological support and assessment. Research literature also infers limited knowledge regarding the postoperative patient’s lived experience of bariatric surgery. This may form a barrier in healthcare practitioners’ understanding of these patients’ ongoing needs. For this reason, ten individuals who had bariatric surgery two or more years ago and eight bariatric surgery practitioners were recruited within UK public hospital settings and individually interviewed by the researcher to capture their accounts of the postoperative bariatric surgery experience. Concordance between the two groups was explored to gauge awareness of patients’ subsequent health needs. Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews elicited a key finding around ‘postsurgical cliffs in patient care’ within a heavily structured service. Participants reported some unmet needs, namely, psychological aftercare to facilitate adjustment following drastic weight loss and excess skin, acceptance of their non-obese self and perceived prejudice. The impact of contrasting views of success between patients and practitioners on postoperative care within the service context was highlighted. Overall, bariatric surgery is a great weight loss catalyst for severe obesity. However, lack of psychological aftercare may threaten long-term health outcomes. The influence of public engagement, particularly the process of interview development and future recommendations are discussed.

Citation

Jumbe, S., Meyrick, J., & Harcourt, D. (2017, October). Post-surgical cliff after bariatric surgery: Accounts of patients and their healthcare practitioners. Paper presented at Qualitative Health Research Conference 2017, Quebec, Canada

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Qualitative Health Research Conference 2017
• Conference Location: Quebec, Canada
• Start Date: Oct 15, 2017
• End Date: Oct 16, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Jun 15, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 7, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: bariatric surgery, health psychology, patient experience
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/881382
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Qualitative Health Research Conference 2017