M. Lauti1, S. Stevenson1, A. G. Hill1, A. D. MacCormick1 1University Of Auckland,Department Of Surgery,Auckland, -, New Zealand
Introduction:
Weight regain following sleeve gastrectomy is an increasingly recognised and important problem. Despite this, it is poorly reported and understood. Similar to other centres, we have noticed an association between discharge from the bariatric service and the onset of weight regain. We aimed to elucidate this further from the patient perspective.
Methods:
Patients at least two years from sleeve gastrectomy, who had experienced weight regain, were invited to participate in a focus group discussion. Participants were asked to complete a demographic survey and discussions were audio-recorded. Transcripts underwent content analysis using an inductive approach.
Results:
Thirty-eight participants participated in one of seven focus group discussions. The majority of participants were female, European and satisfied with their surgery and follow-up care. Participants described positive and negative aspects of the surgery, their follow-up care and causes of weight regain. Important emergent themes included the desire for more support delivered within the overarching principles of providing individualised and specialised care by providers that maintain good rapport and assist in maintaining motivation. Furthermore, this follow-up support may be delivered in non-traditional ways rather than traditional face-to-face consultations.
Conclusion:
We conclude that individualised, innovative and sustainable care pathways are needed for our bariatric patients.