Exploring Social Support Dynamics After Bariatric Surgery: Insights From Patients and Providers

• Published in: The Journal of surgical research Vol. 299; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Jawara, Dawda, Alagoz, Esra, Lauer, Kate V., Voils, Corrine I., Funk, Luke M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Bariatric surgery; Obesity; Qualitative methods; Social support; Obesity; Qualitative methods; Bariatric surgery; Social support
• ISSN: 0022-4804; 1095-8673; 1095-8673
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.03.047

Weight loss after bariatric surgery is impacted by several factors, and social support is one of them. Our objective was to characterize patient and provider perceptions about social support after bariatric surgery. We reported a secondary analysis of qualitative data acquired from semi-structured interviews conducted from January-November 2020 with bariatric surgery patients and providers. Participants included primary care providers, health psychologists, registered dietitians, bariatric surgeons, and patients with at least 1 y of follow-up after their bariatric procedure. Interview guides were designed using a hybrid of Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services and Torain's Framework for Surgical Disparities. Using directed content analysis, study team members generated codes, which were categorized into themes about social support pertaining to dietary habits, physical activity, and follow-up care. Forty-five participants were interviewed, including 24 patients (83% female; 79% White; mean age 50.6 ± 10.7 y) and 21 providers (six primary care providers, four health psychologists, five registered dieticians, and six bariatric surgeons). We identified four themes relating to social support affecting weight loss after surgery: (1) family involvement in helping patients adjust to the bariatric diet, (2) engagement in activities with partners/friends, (3) help with transportation to appointments, and (4) life stressors experienced by patients within their social relationships. Continued assessment of interpersonal factors after bariatric surgery is essential for weight loss maintenance. Providers can contribute by reinforcing the facilitators of social support and making referrals that may help patients overcome barriers to social support for sustained weight loss after surgery. •Family involvement in helping patients adjust to the bariatric diet.•Patients were motivated by their exercise partners/friends.•Help with transportation enhanced adherence to follow-up appointments.•Life stressors from social relationships impacted patients’ weight loss experience.