A qualitative study of postoperative experience and needs of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients: a social-ecological system theory perspective

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to explore the postoperative experiences and social support of patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, analyze their negative experiences, improve self-care levels, reduce negative emotions, refine the effectiveness of bariatric procedures, and enhance the quality of life, providing a basis for further improving the quality of medical care services and the social support system for this patient population. Methods A qualitative research method was used utilizing the social-ecological system theory. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy between January 1 and December 31, 2022. Colaizzi's phenomenological 7-step analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results The postoperative experiences of bariatric surgery patients were categorized into three themes: microsystem (individual system) - the coexistence of health and distress; mesosystem (small group) - changes in family attitudes and positive roles of health care professionals and patients; macrosystem (social support) - limited societal acceptance of bariatric surgery and overall satisfactory financial support and health insurance reimbursement. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the postoperative experiences of Chinese laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients. Their real feelings were summarized at micro, meso, and macro levels, and corresponding solutions were given according to patients' negative experiences. A multidisciplinary cooperative case management model should be adopted after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to provide individualized nutritional exercise guidance and continuous health follow-up for post-bariatric surgery patients to improve patients' negative experiences and enhance weight loss results. Besides, a web-based online group could provide psychological support and serve as a health communication platform for this patient population. Moreover, increasing awareness and education about bariatric surgery should be emphasized to foster greater support and recognition from family, friends, and society.