Background

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the rehabilitation needs of bariatric surgery patients. Methods: 90 min focus group using a semi-structured interview guide. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Setting: Bariatric surgery program. University health care. Participants: Six post-bariatric surgery patients (4 female, 2 male) were enrolled using purposive sampling. Mean age: 53.3 years. Mean number of months since surgery: 20.2. Measurements: The focus group was both audio and video recorded and transcribed using topic and analytical coding. Results: Four main themes emerged: 1) a need for ongoing help with healthy eating and meal planning, 2) realistic exercise ideas and instruction 3) emotional support from family, peers, and professionals, and 4) letting go of shame and fear related to weight stigma. Limitations: Purposeful sampling was used for recruitment. Participants were selected and personally invited by the principal investigator. They were identified as patients who complied with program recommendations and were making efforts to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. It is possible that they agreed to be in the study because they generally had a positive surgery experience and held progressive views about the need to incorporate more effective post-surgery interventions. Conclusions: Findings suggest that rehabilitation following bariatric surgery is complex in nature and patients may benefit from both pre- and post-surgery programs that address their unique needs. Weight maintenance and sustaining healthy habits post-surgery requires ongoing personal and professional assistance. Interventions should reinforce healthy eating practices, include true-to-life exercise help, and offer patients emotional support.