Perception of individuals who experienced the preparation process for bariatric surgery (gastric bypass)

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease and brings with it a range of other health complications, including arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Body mass index above 40 kg/m² and above 35 with the presence of comorbidities are indicated for bariatric surgery. The most practiced technique in Brazil is gastric bypass, due to its safety and effectiveness. Objective: To evaluate the perception of individuals who experienced the process of preparation and bariatric surgery gastric bypass model. Materials and methods: Descriptive, exploratory, and retrospective study, carried out in a municipality in the western region of Paraná, in a clinic affiliated with SUS. Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire sent by WhatsApp due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Results and discussion: Ten individuals participated, 80% women. Age between 35 and 55 years was predominant, 80% had children, only one of them lives alone and 70% have higher education. The reasons for weight gain are varied and 60% weighed 110 to 139 kilograms. One individual had no recurrent obesity disease, and everyone had tried some weight loss method previously. Everyone underwent surgery to improve their health. 80% had family support and 60% had family members who performed the procedure. The preparatory process lasted from four months to a year, and 20% thought about giving up out of fear. Multiprofessional care was assessed as essential for undergoing surgery. Conclusion: It is important to assist the multidisciplinary team to prepare the patient to undergo surgery, thus optimizing the safety of the results achieved.