Social Support for People with Morbid Obesity in a Bariatric Surgery Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

María José Torrente-Sánchez, Manuel Ferrer-Márquez, Beatriz Estébanez-Ferrero, María del Mar Jiménez-Lasserrotte, Alicia Ruiz-Muelle, María Isabel Ventura-Miranda, Iria Dobarrio-Sanz and José Granero-Molina
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María José Torrente-Sánchez: Hospital HLA Mediterráneo, 04007 Almería, Spain
Manuel Ferrer-Márquez: Hospital HLA Mediterráneo, 04007 Almería, Spain
Beatriz Estébanez-Ferrero: Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, 04009 Almería, Spain
María del Mar Jiménez-Lasserrotte: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, Spain
Alicia Ruiz-Muelle: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, Spain
María Isabel Ventura-Miranda: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, Spain
Iria Dobarrio-Sanz: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, Spain
José Granero-Molina: Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-14

Abstract: Background—Morbid obesity (MO) is a chronic metabolic disease affecting physical, psychological and social wellbeing. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for losing weight in the long term, improving the quality of life, body image and social life of people with MO. Current literature recognises the importance of social support in controlling weight and coping with MO. The objective of this study was to describe and understand experiences related to social support for patients with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Methods—A qualitative descriptive study, where data collection included thirty-one interviews with people diagnosed with MO involved in a bariatric surgery programme. Results—Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) accepting the problem in order to ask for help, (2) the need for close support and (3) professional support: opposing feelings. Conclusions—A partner, family and friends are the key pillars of social support for those with MO included in a bariatric surgery programme. Healthcare professionals gave formal support; the bariatric surgery team provided information, trust and assurance. Nurses provided healthcare 24 h a day, making them the main formal support for people in the bariatric surgery programme.

Keywords: social support; morbid obesity; bariatric surgery; qualitative study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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