Long-term Consequences of Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Qualitative Exploration of Patients’ Eating Patterns and Behaviours

Obesity is a growing problem throughout the world and accompanies many physical and psychological issues. Increasingly Bariatric Surgery is being turned to as a means of losing weight, often after many failed attempts to use diet and exercise. The focus of this project is on the experiences of patients who opt for Bariatric Surgery. The literature review explored the qualitative studies on experiences after Bariatric Surgery. It adopted a Narrative Synthesis approach and the findings were analysed for themes. A total of twelve papers were included and three main themes emerged. They were titled “Transformation”, “Adjustment & Coping” and “The Paradoxes”. The review highlighted clinical recommendations regarding patients unmet needs after surgery and suggested topics for further research. The research report explored the longer term experiences of patients who had undergone Gastric Bypass Surgery (GBS), which is a frequently used procedure for weight loss. The study utilised Grounded Theory techniques to collect and analyse the data. Seventeen participants were interviewed, all of whom had undergone GBS three to eight years ago. A core category titled “The Battle for Control” was found to permeate the majority of experiences pre and post surgery. A theoretical model was devised to propose factors that enabled the participants to develop self-control after surgery, such as viewing the bypass as a tool and learning to self monitor. It also outlined circumstances that impeded this process, such as finding ways to cheat the bypass. Issues relating to food addiction and body image also emerged from the data. The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature, along with theories relating to self-efficacy and locus of control. Further recommendations for clinical practice and research are also given. The critical appraisal is a reflective, personal account that discusses some of the important issues relating to quality in qualitative research.