Investigation of The Life Experiences of Obese Patients

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the life experiences of obese patients and the reasons for their decision to undergo metabolic surgery.

Methods: This research is of qualitative phenomenological type. The research sample consisted of nine individuals with a body mass index of 30 and above, obese for at least one year, who decided to undergo metabolic surgery. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a participant identification form and a semi-structured data collection form. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines were used as a guide.

Results: The youngest of the nine participants was 20 years old and the oldest was 51 years old. When analyzed in terms of gender, it was determined that six of them were female, one of them was married and they worked in different professions. Other characteristics were that all but one of them lived with their families, all but two of them had obese individuals in their families, most of them had a stressful life according to their own statements, and all but one of them had tried dieting many times until the metabolic surgery and had not been successful. Three themes were determined by examining the statements of the patients followed up with a diagnosis of obesity regarding their experiences. These themes are social isolation, effects of obesity and surgical process.

Conclusion: Based on the data obtained in this study, it can be considered that obese individuals experience social isolation, psychological disorders, restriction of clothing preferences, feeling unhealthy and limitations in physical activity due to their excess weight. In addition, it was determined that the participants tried diet therapy many times, but they were not successful, so they considered metabolic surgery as a last resort.