Family Influences on Patients’ Decisions to Undergo Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery is the treatment of choice for many obese patients. Although bariatric surgery has recognized benefits, some patients wait several years before deciding to proceed and many patients rely on family member advice and support during the decision-making process. Using a secondary qualitative analysis of transcribed interviews, we examined family member influences on the patient's decision to undergo bariatric surgery. We identified four main themes: role modeling, quality of life with children, family and marital factors, and acquaintances' success with bariatric surgery. Participants indicated that being active with children and demonstrating healthier lifestyles was important, and that adult family members' perceptions of the surgery affect the decision. Because family member influences are evident in the decision-making process, perioperative nurses should be aware of the family's influence and include family members and significant others in the patient's decision-making process for bariatric surgery.

Factors associated with progression or non‐progression to bariatric surgery in adults: A systematic review

“…More broadly, family problems predicted non‐progression to surgery 51 . Qualitative research further illustrated the role of familial perceptions of surgery (both positive and negative) and caretaking responsibilities in patients' decisions about whether to continue with surgery or not 73,78 . Most commonly, the direct and indirect support and influence of significant others have been shown to facilitate individuals' choices to seek surgery, 44,59,72 with themes around wanting to be present with family members 65,73 and set a “good example” for children and other family members 65,73 .…”

“…73,78 Most commonly, the direct and indirect support and influence of significant others have been shown to facilitate individuals' choices to seek surgery, 44,59,72 with themes around wanting to be present with family members 65,73 and set a "good example" for children and other family members. 65,73 Knowledge of a family member, friend, or acquaintance having undergone surgery also affected patients' decisions to continue with the procedure, 44,59,65,72,73 as did experiences of public discrimination. 44,59 3.14 | Pre-surgery process and requirements…”

“…51 Qualitative research further illustrated the role of familial perceptions of surgery (both positive and negative) and caretaking responsibilities in patients' decisions about whether to continue with surgery or not. 73,78 Most commonly, the direct and indirect support and influence of significant others have been shown to facilitate individuals' choices to seek surgery, 44,59,72 with themes around wanting to be present with family members 65,73 and set a "good example" for children and other family members. 65,73 Knowledge of a family member, friend, or acquaintance having undergone surgery also affected patients' decisions to continue with the procedure, 44,59,65,72,73 as did experiences of public discrimination.…”

Support needs of people undertaking bariatric surgery: A narrative review

“…The support of family and friends influences whether bariatric surgery is undertaken 24 . Furthermore, involvement of intimate partners in education pre and post‐surgery, has shown to positively impact dietary behaviour, physical activity, intimacy and relationships 24,25 . Lower perceived social support both pre and post‐surgery is correlated with higher scores in depression, disordered eating, poorer weight outcomes and greater weight variations 26 .…”

“…24 Furthermore, involvement of intimate partners in education pre and post-surgery, has shown to positively impact dietary behaviour, physical activity, intimacy and relationships. 24,25 Lower perceived social support both pre and postsurgery is correlated with higher scores in depression, disordered eating, poorer weight outcomes and greater weight variations. 26 Family encouragement is postulated to promote better adherence to a beneficial lifestyle after surgery.…”