Lived experiences of South African bariatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study

Patients having bariatric surgery require comprehensive support both socially and professionally for successful surgery outcomes. With the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many bariatric patients were negatively impacted due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing practices. This study used a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach to gain a better understanding of bariatric patients’ difficulties and lifestyle challenges between 3 months and 6 years after having bariatric surgery, and to determine the impact that COVID-19 had on patients’ daily lives. A sample of 17 adults were recruited from three hospitals in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with open-ended questions that allowed participants to express their feelings and describe their lived experiences during the pandemic. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The research data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Most participants were women (88.2%) and married (64.7%). The study identified five main categories: (1) physical impact; (2) psychological impact; (3) social impact; (4) medical and follow-up care; and (5) financial impact. The study yielded results that were in support of existing COVID-19 bariatric surgery literature. Many participants in the study regained weight during the pandemic due to stress and the disruption of physical routines and healthy eating habits. Many experienced an increased anxiety of contracting the virus due to a compromised immune system. The need for professional support during this time was emphasised. All follow-up appointments were cancelled due to the pandemic. Virtual support groups were not favoured above in-person support groups. This research study concluded that bariatric patients regained weight due to the pandemic because of their healthy routines being disrupted. Bariatric patients are reliant on social and professional support for successful outcomes. In-person support group meetings are highly favoured amongst these patients.