The Patient Journey to Gastric Band Surgery: A Qualitative Exploration

This study explored the views and experiences of obese people preparing to undergo laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB) leading up to the time of surgery. Weight loss surgery (WLS) is the most successful intervention available for the treatment of morbid obesity, and LAGB is among the most commonly used procedures in bariatric surgery. So far, the patient experience of deciding to undergo LAGB has been explored rarely and predominantly retrospectively. Semi-structured interviews took place with 23 patients about to undergo LAGB between June 2011 and March 2012. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Demographic and quality of life data situated the sample within the LAGB patient population. Three overarching themes were described. Participants were "living with obesity," including the physical, social, and psychological challenges and consequences of being obese. These created in them a "desire to change," expressed in multiple unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, and a quest for information, finally focusing on WLS. Eventually, "expectations toward LAGB" were formed, mainly to hand back a measure of control that enabled them to achieve, as well as ultimately to maintain, weight loss. This active process resulted in the patients' decision to undergo LAGB. When combined, these themes outline a distinct patient journey toward gastric banding. Knowledge of the patient journey can inform both selection and care of patients awaiting gastric band surgery and is required by all health professionals working with this patient group.