Background

Weight recurrence (WR) after bariatric surgery may have detrimental psychological effects on patients. A journey map is a visualization of the process that a person goes through to accomplish a goal. This study aimed to develop a journey map of patients experiencing WR following bariatric surgery.

Methods

In-person interviews with patients who self-identified as experiencing challenges with WR were conducted by a qualitative researcher at an academic MBSAQIP-accredited center in collaboration with the health system’s Office of Experience Design in 2021-2022. Thematic analysis of the obtained information was performed.

Results

Overall, 26 patients with WR participated in the journey mapping interviews. The most frequently debated topics were related to weight-loss and mindset. Figure 1 presents all topic areas mentioned by patients and their associated sentiments. Barriers to successful maintenance of weight-loss were related to peer-pressure to eat and drink like others and traumatic life events (job loss, family member death, etc.). Facilitators of success included family and social support, having healthy daily routines in place, sharing successes with others, and education by a nutritionist. When asked about their fears/concerns, patients mentioned surgical complications, difficulties in achieving weight-loss goals, and stories from others with bad outcomes after surgery. Patients also perceived significant stereotypes against them and stigma with getting bariatric surgery.

Conclusions

Journey mapping interviews of patients with WR identified barriers and facilitators to their success and provide important insights for the management of this growing patient population. Understanding patient perspectives may enable bariatric surgeons to better address the needs of patients with WR.