Patients' Expectations and Satisfactions Following Bariatric Surgeries: A Mixed Design

Background: Bariatric surgeries have become the preferred option among obese patients worldwide. Knowing the patient’s point of view regarding the expected changes and satisfaction with bariatric surgery is necessary for improving care and outcomes. The aims of this study were to examine patients’ expectations and their satisfaction with bariatric surgery. As well as explore the factors that affect patients' satisfaction levels after bariatric surgery. Methods: Mixed research design was used on a convenient sample of 53 adult male and female subjects who had undergone bariatric surgeries. These tools were utilized to gather data: (a) Demographic and Clinical Data Form (b) Bariatric surgery patients' expectation questionnaire (c) Bariatric surgery satisfaction questionnaire and (d) Face-to-face open-ended semi-structured interviews. Results: The findings of this study revealed that 92% of the studied sample rated improved self-esteem as well as a reduction in clothing size as very important expectations. As regards patients' satisfaction level with bariatric surgery; 89.80% of the studied sample were very satisfied with the way they were seen by others as well as improved free physical movement. While 50.40% of the studied sample expressed dissatisfaction with the need for chronic medications. The three themes that emerged described the factors contributing to participants' satisfaction following bariatric surgery included 1) pre-post-surgery comparisons, 2) solving traumatic events; and 3) improved health parameters. Conclusion: Based on the results of the current study, the patient’s expectations and satisfaction following bariatric surgery were high. Hence, a preoperative education program is necessary to assist patients in developing reasonable expectations for the course of treatment and attaining complete satisfaction after bariatric surgery.