Abstract
Background
This study used a qualitative approach to comprehend how the morbid obese conceptualize and deal with obesity and obesity treatment, with the particular aim of exploring the expectations and beliefs about the exigencies and the impact of bariatric surgery.
Methods
The study population included 30 morbid obese patients (20 women and 10 men) with a mean age of 39.17 years (SD = 8.81) and a mean body mass index of 47.5 (SD = 8.2) (reviewer #2, comment #9) interviewed individually before surgery using open-ended questions. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and then coded according to grounded analysis methodology.
Results
Three main thematic areas emerged from the data: obesity, eating behavior, and treatment. Obesity is described as a stable and hereditary trait. Although participants recognize that personal eating behavior exacerbates this condition, patients see their eating behavior as difficult to change and control. Food seems to be an ever-present dimension and a coping strategy, and to follow an adequate diet plan is described as a huge sacrifice. Bariatric surgery emerges as the only treatment for obesity, and participants highlight this moment as the beginning of a new life where health professionals have the main role. Bariatric surgery candidates see their eating behavior as out of their control, and to commit to its demands is seen as a big sacrifice. For these patients, surgery is understood as a miracle moment that will change their lives without requiring an active role or their participation.
Conclusion
According to these results, it is necessary to validate them with qualitative and quantitative studies (reviewer #2, comment #3); it is necessary to promote a new awareness of the weight loss process and to empower patients before and after bariatric surgery.
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Acknowledgment
Acknowledgement is due to the Foundation for Science and Technology for financial support (SFRH/BD/37069/2007) for the study; to Dra. Aline Fernandes, Dra. Maria Lopes Pereira, and Dr. Maia da Costa, members of the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team for the Treatment of Obesity; and to the Hospital of Braga for their collaboration.
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The authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.
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da Silva, S.S.P., da Costa Maia, Â. Obesity and Treatment Meanings in Bariatric Surgery Candidates: A Qualitative Study. OBES SURG 22, 1714–1722 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-012-0716-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-012-0716-y