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Adolescent bariatric surgery: a qualitative exploratory study of US patient perspectives
Author(s) -
Childerhose J. E.,
Eneli I.,
Steele K. E.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 1758-8111
pISSN - 1758-8103
DOI - 10.1111/cob.12272
Subject(s) - medicine , qualitative research , weight loss , exploratory research , intervention (counseling) , obesity , childhood obesity , surgery , weight management , general surgery , family medicine , nursing , overweight , social science , sociology , anthropology
Summary Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective intervention to treat severe obesity and related comorbidities in adolescents. No qualitative studies have explored the perspectives of US adolescent weight‐loss patients on their bariatric surgery motivations, decision‐making or experiences. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to explore the perspectives of adolescent patients seeking bariatric surgery while enrolled in a medical weight management programme. Eligible participants 13–21 years old were recruited through a weight management programme at a tertiary care children's hospital in the US Midwest. Interviews were conducted remotely using a video chat medium. An initial 60‐min semi‐structured interview was conducted with seven participants who were 16–21 years old: one deciding on bariatric surgery, one pre‐operative and five post‐operative. A brief follow‐up interview was conducted 1 month later with four participants. Interviews were transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti software. Three broad themes emerged from participants’ reflections: the long journey to surgery , time scarcity and be ready for change . The decision to pursue bariatric surgery takes place after struggling with obesity and failed weight‐loss attempts since early childhood. Post‐operative participants described bariatric surgery as life‐changing, but determining when to schedule surgery is a challenge for adolescents.