Patients' perceptions following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: 'Sorry or satisfied'?

Background and objective: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) currently accounts for 70.1% of weightloss surgeries in Australia, according to the Bariatric Surgery Registry. There are limited qualitative studies examining Australian patients' experiences. The aim of this study was to explore patients' perspectives following LSG, providing information for shared decision making. Methods: Twenty-two patients one, two or three years post-LSG were recruited randomly. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth telephone interviews, and responses were analysed inductively. Results: Three global themes were identified: 1) normality, 2) control and 3) ambivalence, with eight organising sub-themes: 1) weight, 2) physical changes and daily living enhancements, 3) exercise, 4) emotional responses, 5) eating behaviour, 6) societal influences, 7) body image and 8) relationships. Discussion: LSG is generally associated with high levels of patient satisfaction, with physical and psychosocial benefits beyond metabolic improvements. The decision to undergo this elective procedure should be made with an understanding of the significant and permanent effects it has on patients' lives.