Abstract
Background—Morbid obesity (MO) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for losing weight in the long term, improving the quality of life, body image and social life of people with MO. Current literature recognises the importance of social support in controlling weight and coping with MO. The objective of this study was to describe and understand experiences related to social support for patients with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Methods—A qualitative descriptive study, where data collection included thirty-one interviews with people diagnosed with MO involved in a bariatric surgery programme. Results—Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) accepting the problem in order to ask for help, (2) the need for close support and (3) professional support: opposing feelings. Conclusions—A partner, family and friends are the key pillars of social support for those with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Healthcare professionals gave formal support; the bariatric surgery team provided information, trust and assurance. Nurses provided healthcare 24 h a day, making them the main formal support for people in the bariatric surgery programme.
Highlights
Accepted: 15 June 2021Obesity is a chronic disease that is characterised by an accumulation of fat or hypertrophy of fatty tissue
Three themes allowed for the description and understanding of the social support experienced by patients with morbid obesity (MO) in a bariatric surgery programme (Table 3)
Limitations imposed by others, everything is in my head, a look is worth more than a thousand words, understanding is better amongst equals
Summary
Accepted: 15 June 2021Obesity is a chronic disease that is characterised by an accumulation of fat or hypertrophy of fatty tissue. Obesity is a public health issue, the prevalence varies depending on the country [1]. It affects approximately 13% of the global adult population [2]. Learn about your experiences of social support since your inclusion in a bariatric surgery programme. Morbid obesity (MO) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for losing weight in the long term, improving the quality of life, body image and social life of people with MO. Conclusions—A partner, family and friends are the key pillars of social support for those with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Healthcare professionals gave formal support; the bariatric surgery team provided information, trust and assurance.
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