Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group
Abstract Purpose This qualitative study explored the health needs of patients after undergoing bariatric surgery. The study specifically aimed to describe the unique physical, emotional, and social challenges patients face following surgery in order to inform the development of future obesity treatm...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Discover Social Science and Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00149-w |
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| author | Angela C. Glauser Robin L. Marcus Larissa A. McGarrity Anne Thackeray Eric T. Volckmann Alexandra L. Terrill |
| author_facet | Angela C. Glauser Robin L. Marcus Larissa A. McGarrity Anne Thackeray Eric T. Volckmann Alexandra L. Terrill |
| author_sort | Angela C. Glauser |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Purpose This qualitative study explored the health needs of patients after undergoing bariatric surgery. The study specifically aimed to describe the unique physical, emotional, and social challenges patients face following surgery in order to inform the development of future obesity treatment programs. Methods A 90-min focus group was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Bariatric surgery patients were enrolled using purposive sampling. The mean number of months since surgery was 20.2 (SD 10.8). The mean age of participants was 53.3 (SD 9.8) years. The focus group was both audio and video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using topic and analytical coding. Results Three main themes emerged revealing postoperative needs for (1) assistance with physical changes and reduced barriers to exercise, (2) reinforcement for healthy eating behaviors, and (3) emotional support from peers, family, and community. Conclusions Findings suggest that rehabilitation following bariatric surgery is complex in nature and patients may benefit from both pre- and post-surgery programs that address their unique needs. Weight maintenance and sustaining healthy behavior change post-surgery requires ongoing personal and professional assistance. Interventions should emphasize healthy eating practices, include practical exercise suggestions, and offer social and emotional support. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9e6f683895e1472ab98491bc09491ae0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2731-0469 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Social Science and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-9e6f683895e1472ab98491bc09491ae02025-01-26T12:53:27ZengSpringerDiscover Social Science and Health2731-04692025-01-015111010.1007/s44155-025-00149-wPhysical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus groupAngela C. Glauser0Robin L. Marcus1Larissa A. McGarrity2Anne Thackeray3Eric T. Volckmann4Alexandra L. Terrill5Department of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of UtahDepartment of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of UtahDepartment of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of UtahDepartment of Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, University of UtahUniversity of Utah Health Comprehensive Weight Management ProgramDepartment of Occupational & Recreational Therapies, University of UtahAbstract Purpose This qualitative study explored the health needs of patients after undergoing bariatric surgery. The study specifically aimed to describe the unique physical, emotional, and social challenges patients face following surgery in order to inform the development of future obesity treatment programs. Methods A 90-min focus group was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Bariatric surgery patients were enrolled using purposive sampling. The mean number of months since surgery was 20.2 (SD 10.8). The mean age of participants was 53.3 (SD 9.8) years. The focus group was both audio and video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using topic and analytical coding. Results Three main themes emerged revealing postoperative needs for (1) assistance with physical changes and reduced barriers to exercise, (2) reinforcement for healthy eating behaviors, and (3) emotional support from peers, family, and community. Conclusions Findings suggest that rehabilitation following bariatric surgery is complex in nature and patients may benefit from both pre- and post-surgery programs that address their unique needs. Weight maintenance and sustaining healthy behavior change post-surgery requires ongoing personal and professional assistance. Interventions should emphasize healthy eating practices, include practical exercise suggestions, and offer social and emotional support.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00149-wBariatric surgeryObesityRehabilitationSocial supportFocus group |
| spellingShingle | Angela C. Glauser Robin L. Marcus Larissa A. McGarrity Anne Thackeray Eric T. Volckmann Alexandra L. Terrill Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group Discover Social Science and Health Bariatric surgery Obesity Rehabilitation Social support Focus group |
| title | Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group |
| title_full | Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group |
| title_fullStr | Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group |
| title_full_unstemmed | Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group |
| title_short | Physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients: a focus group |
| title_sort | physical and social health needs of postoperative bariatric surgery patients a focus group |
| topic | Bariatric surgery Obesity Rehabilitation Social support Focus group |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00149-w |
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