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The Lived Experience of Choosing Bariatric Surgery to Lose Weight

Long Island University, Brookville, NYawysoker{at}liu.edu

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for morbid obesity is becoming an increasingly sought out intervention for weight loss. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that requires a long-term commitment from the individual. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to explore issues relating to having a surgical procedure performed to lose weight. STUDY DESIGN: A phenomenological study was conducted. The sample included five females and three males who had undergone surgery to reduce weight at least 1 year prior to the study participation. RESULTS: Qualitative data analysis revealed the following four themes: last resort, surgery provides structure, reality setsin, and positive about the decision to have the surgery. CONCLUSION: Understanding these themes offers much needed information for health professionals when treating the morbidly obese person. Psychiatric nurses and psychiatric advanced practice nurses can offer a holistic approach and implement programs that incorporate study findings into individual treatment plans. Nurse psychotherapists can explore these findings in therapy sessions and focus on the impact they have on the person’s goals to maintain weight loss.

Key Words: bariatric surgery • obesity • weight loss • weight control • psychological aspects • qualitative research

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Vol. 11, No. 1, 26-34 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1078390305275005


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