Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Jay Greiner

Abstract

During the past decade, obesity has become a worldwide epidemic, and bariatric surgery has been used to treat obesity. Previous researchers have addressed the success of the Roux-en-Y bariatric (RYGB) surgery within 12 months or later of the surgical procedure; however, a lack of research exists regarding participant success in maintaining their post-surgery weight loss long term. The current qualitative, phenomenological study was based on the conceptual framework of social learning and examined the beliefs, experiences and perceptions of women who underwent RYGB weight loss surgery but did not maintain their ideal weight during the 1st year and later following surgery. Participants included women at least 18 years of age who had undergone RYGB surgery 12 months or later prior to the study and who had regained 20-40% of their weight. Semistructured interviews with 8 recipients were conducted to gain an understanding of the experiences that hindered the maintenance of participants' long-term weight loss goals. Convenience Sampling was used to analyze the experiences of women post-surgery. Results suggest that important factors were commitment to change, the effects of body change and social support. These factors were based on sub-textual themes of eating habits, quality of life, lifestyle change, mentality, misconceptions of surgery, weight loss, excess skin, social support, and weight regain. This study contributes insight into weight gain and weight loss maintenance following bariatric RYGB surgery and is useful for medical and weight loss professionals, bariatric patients, and community members. Stakeholders increased understanding of weight gain and weight loss maintenance following RYGB surgery may contribute to the development of strategies that improve the long-term physical, psychological, and psychosocial health of bariatric surgery patients.

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