Obesity and bariatric surgery : through the patients eyes

Bariatric surgery is a cost effective treatment for morbid obesity with an increasing number of patients accessing surgery. Severe obesity is commonly associated with physiological and psychological morbidity. Obese people are likely to experience social isolation, have low levels of self-esteem, confidence and negative feelings towards their appearance. Access to bariatric surgery is through a tiered framework including clinical and psychological interventions. A longitudinal study was conducted with patients pre (n=18) and three months (n=16), nine months (n=15) and two years post (n=12) bariatric surgery to explore their pre and postoperative experience and expectation. Interviews were informed by a modified version of photovoice techniques. Prior to each interview ‘assignments’ were given to each participant. The assignments were changed according to the timeframe of the patient’s journey and included: current life, preparation for the surgery, expectation of life after the surgery, decision to have the surgery, what things can do now you didn’t/ couldn’t before? Data is being analysed using Framework Analysis as part of a PhD study. Interim analysis of the data has identified marked differences in the photographs taken at each stage of the research. Photographs taken by participant’s pre surgery were primarily indoors to signify the challenges of day to day life. Images were of body parts rather than the whole self. Clothes participants wore were taken alongside clothes they hoped to be able to wear with their new appearance. Following surgery participants shared pictures of themselves with family members and friends in outdoor spaces. Using the Photovoice techniques has highlighted some of the day to day burdens of obesity and how patients manage their home life with clinicians. Participants have reported feeling empowered by taking the photographs which has allowed them to reflect on their weight loss journey