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

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  • María José Torrente-Sánchez

    (Hospital HLA Mediterráneo, 04007 Almería, Spain)

  • Manuel Ferrer-Márquez

    (Hospital HLA Mediterráneo, 04007 Almería, Spain
    Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, 04009 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
    Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 7500000, Chile)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 & José Gran, 2021. "Social Support for People with Morbid Obesity in a Bariatric Surgery Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6530-:d:576702
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Trogdon, Justin G. & Allaire, Benjamin T., 2014. "The effect of friend selection on social influences in obesity," Economics & Human Biology, Elsevier, vol. 15(C), pages 153-164.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chereé Davidson & Caroll Hermann & Vusi Mathe, 2024. "Lived experiences of South African bariatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.

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