Aim:
To determine what specific factors influence success long-term post bariatric surgery.
Method:
Completion of a master’s dissertation was used to explore the current understanding and practice methods to ensure long-term weight maintenance after bariatric surgery.
Discussion:
The benefits and expected outcomes of the first two years following bariatric surgery were well documented. Good quality evidence of what happens after that is not so well known. The literature demonstrated that the ability to change lifelong patterns, thought processes and coping mechanisms after surgery was difficult for all patients post bariatric surgery, even for those who appeared to be flourishing. While the benefits of bariatric surgery were well acknowledged, a strong theme emerged exposing discord between the patients lived experience and the expectations of health professionals. Qualitative studies uncovered a sense that participants felt abandoned by their surgical health professionals. The reviewed literature also revealed gaps in the understanding of how to provide adequate support for post-surgical bariatric patients from the health professionals.
Conclusion:
There is a disconnect between what is required and what is provided for long term success post bariatric surgery. The call for more ongoing support from professionals in how to make healthy choices when overwhelmed with life was called for, and a desire for longer-term support was clear in the participant feedback.