I Am As Normal As Everyone Now. . . : Examination of Experiences of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery According to Roy’s Adaptation Model: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine experiences of patients undergoing bariatric surgery according to Roy’s adaptation model (RAM). This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological design. The sample included patients undergoing bariatric surgery ( N: 32). Of all the patients 84.37% were female and 59.38% were married. According to results of the content analysis, adaptive patient behavior was described by the themes “My life has changed”, Everything is beautiful” “I can cope” and “Luckily, I have them” and their nonadaptive behavior was described by the themes “What if I cannot succeed”, “Bad news” and “So many people, so many views”. Patients having bariatric surgery experience various difficulties in adapting to their life and bodies, but the surgery leads to improvements in their body image, social life, personal relationships, and maintenance of roles. However, some patients can be afraid of postoperative complications and experience anxiety about regaining weight.