Growing up after adolescent bariatric surgery

Authors: DEMELLO, ANNALYN - University Of Texas Medical Branch; ACORDA, DARLENE - Texas Children'S Hospital; Thompson, Deborah - Debbe; ALLEN, DAVID - Baylor College Of Medicine; AMAN, RAHEMA - University Of Texas Health Science Center; BRANDT, MARY - Tulane University; SISLEY, STEPHANIE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Clinical Nursing Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2022
Publication Date: 9/28/2022
Citation: Demello, A.S., Acorda, D.E., Thompson, D.J., Allen, D.L., Aman, R., Brandt, M.L., Sisley, S. 2022. Growing up after adolescent bariatric surgery. Clinical Nursing Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/10547738221120338.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10547738221120338

Interpretive Summary: Young adult experiences after adolescent bariatric surgery have not been described, yet independence and lifestyle changes may affect weight loss. In this study we explore the weight loss journey and found that the average weight loss was 23% of initial body weight. Interviews with subjects took place and four themes were identified: taking control, weight loss challenges, body image adjustment, and growing up. Participants reported high scores related to physical aspects of surgery yet described mental challenges related to food, eating, body image, and interpersonal relationships. Participants were indifferent to preventative healthcare. Losing weight is a continuing journey after surgery. Surgery facilitates weight loss but attitude and behavioral modifications are necessary tools. Mental and medical healthcare provider visits are needed through adulthood to monitor the effects of surgery. These findings can be used to develop hypothesis-driven research for other weight loss studies.

Technical Abstract: This study investigates the effects of adolescent bariatric surgery among young adults approximately 10 years post-surgery. Participants were recruited from a hospital-based bariatric registry. We used an exploratory, qualitatively-driven mixed methods design. Findings were integrated with medical chart data and the SF-36, Body QoL, and the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire. Of the 22 participants who completed surveys (14 females and 8 males), 20 participants also completed a phone interview. Median participant age was 25 years (range=19-30). Median weight-loss was 23% (6.0%-58%). Four themes emerged: taking control, weight loss challenges, body image adjustment, and growing up. Participants reported physical benefits of surgery yet were challenged by eating habits, body image, and interpersonal relationships. Participants were indifferent to preventative healthcare, despite the potential for vitamin deficiencies and the return of weight-related comorbidities. Clinicians can facilitate the transition to young adulthood by providing continued mental support, education, and medical monitoring.