Journal article 861 views 247 downloads
‘What’s the point in extending your life if this is your life’: A qualitative exploration of pre-surgery, short-term and long-term responses to bariatric surgery
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Nicole. M. Glenn,
Jeffery. W. Stephens,
Richard Bracken
Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, Volume: 12, Issue: 4, Pages: 530 - 547
Swansea University Authors:
Camilla Knight , Richard Bracken
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/2159676X.2019.1640779
Abstract
This study examined experiences of weight, physical activity, diet, and quality of life of individuals prior to and following bariatric surgery. Twenty-seven people participated who represented three periods related to bariatric surgery: pre-surgery; short-term post-surgery (i.e., 1–2 years) and lon...
| Published in: | Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health |
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| ISSN: | 2159-676X 2159-6778 |
| Published: |
2019
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50999 |
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| Abstract: |
This study examined experiences of weight, physical activity, diet, and quality of life of individuals prior to and following bariatric surgery. Twenty-seven people participated who represented three periods related to bariatric surgery: pre-surgery; short-term post-surgery (i.e., 1–2 years) and long-term post-surgery (i.e., 3–7 years). A qualitative descriptive design was adopted, with data collected through interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Themes in the pre-surgery period were identified as follows: a) Growing up: Variation by family and ability, b) Weight gain: Transitions, traumas, and triggers; c) Perceptions of self: Hate, loathing, and worthlessness; d) Spiralling weight: Lack of control over vicious cycles of dieting and weight gain, and; e) Surgery: A final and essential lifeline. Short-term post-surgery themes were: a) Physical changes: Rapid weight loss and enhanced health versus hesitation and disappointment; b) Physical activity: Changes in engagement and perceptions despite ongoing barriers; c) Finding oneself: Increased emotional wellbeing, self-concept and confidence, and; d) Quality of life: Renewed physical capabilities and capacity but some continuing challenges. In the long-term following surgery, themes of: a) Weight plateau/regain: Disappointment and feelings of failure, and; b) Excess fat: Frustration and feelings of vulnerability emerged from the data. It is evident that participants go on an extended journey in the years before and after bariatric surgery and experience a range of both positive and negative outcomes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of practitioners understanding individual’s overall journeys when seeking to help them lose weight and improve psychological health. |
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| Keywords: |
Bariatric surgery, weight loss, physical activity, diet, quality of life |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Issue: |
4 |
| Start Page: |
530 |
| End Page: |
547 |