What is the experience of obese people undergoing bariatric surgery in the UK?

This poster will present the findings from a review of literature on people's experience of bariatric surgery. The authors will propose a future programme of work to fill the gaps in evidence identified. Key methodological recommendations are made along with a rationale for selecting these approaches.

The literature on bariatric surgery is mainly quantitative in nature, focussing on clinical and quality of life outcome measures. The social narratives, experiences and influences of an obese person undergoing weight-loss surgery are rarely investigated. Existing qualitative research is mainly non-UK based and uses conventional in methodologies to capture experiences.

Obesity is a chronic condition. Demand for surgical weight loss procedures is increasing. The elective option of undergoing bariatric surgery is a turning point in an obese person's life. Narrative Reconstruction theory (Williams, 1984) provides a means to understand how this turning point impacts upon life and identity. Current literature offers limited consideration of these psycho-social issues or how people's narrative changes as a result of the surgical procedure. In this paper Narrative Reconstruction is used as a theoretical backdrop to explore an obese person's experience.

In response to the review findings, and in order to better capture patient experience, the authors propose that future research should be longitudinal, use more creative approaches such as photovoice and consider theories such as Narrative Reconstruction. Based on participatory action research methods, photovoice empowers participants to share experiences. Photovoice methods will illuminate how people reconstruct their narrative following a life changing event.