Real feelings and experiences of obesity patients in metabolic surgery of weight loss in Shandong,China: A qualitative research

Abstract

Background: This was to investigate the real feelings and experiences of losing weight after metabolic surgery of weight loss in obesity patients. Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups was undertaken at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University,China. After obtaining ethical permission and informed consent of the interviewees, semi-structured interviews were conducted on 15 obese patients who underwent metabolic surgery for weight loss. The NVIVO 12 software was used to analyze the data using the Colaizzi 7-step method. Results: 1) morbid obesity complications and severity of complications, awareness of weight loss surgery, family and peer support, and access to professional hospital information all have an impact on patients' surgical decisions. 2) insufficient knowledge of surgical weight loss leads to fear of surgery and the discomforts of obesity complications aggravate preoperative anxiety. The unfamiliar feelings in the intensive care unit after surgery and discomfort in tubing and physical restraint lead to a negative experience while the intimacy of medical staff visiting bedside and the joy of physical improvement help improve mood. 3)insufficient self-management confidence, and eagerly hope that medical staff continues to care. 4) pay attention to the weight management of relatives, friends and the next generation. And be willing to actively help others to share their experiences and scientifically reduce weight. Conclusion: Medical staffs and patients should pay more attention to self-management and strengthen the health knowledge, peer support and extended care after discharge.