![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Learning Objective 1: recognize the complex physical, psychological and social changes and their implications for nursing.
Learning Objective 2: identify components of loss associated with the personal metamorphosis related to bariatric surgery.
The prevalence of obesity has increased markedly in the past 20 years. For the severely obese, bariatric surgery offers the greatest potential for sustained significant weight loss. Using a qualitative approach, we sought to develop an understanding of the post-operative experience of women who choose bariatric surgery for management of morbid obesity. Using a person-centered approach, we were primarily interested in the participants’ subjective experience of the phenomena under investigation, and, in this respect, the research approach was consistent with a phenomenological method of investigation. Using purposeful, snowball sampling, woman who had bariatric surgery were invited to participate. A total of 14 women, aged 28 to 63 years participated. Their pre-surgical weight ranged from 412 pounds, to 247 pounds, and post surgery weight loss ranged from 167 to 72 pounds. A semi-structured interview was conducted. Participants were asked to share their experiences and thoughts related to four specific points in the post-operative course following bariatric surgery. These points in the recovery process were; immediate post-operative, discharge to home, the first six months, and the last six months. Transcripts were analyzed for common themes as appropriate for phenomenological inquiry. Words, statements and paragraphs were extracted to identify the experience of these women during the post operative period. Following surgery these individuals experienced physiologic and behavioral challenges. Two major areas identified in this research were: pain management, and multiple losses in their life. A consistent experience expressed by these participants was that bariatric surgery was a life changing event. As obesity continues to be a public health problem, coupled with the availability of bariatric surgery, it is critical for nursing and other related disciplines to understand and develop a holistic approach in managing the post-surgical experience of person’s who undergo bariatric surgery.