Experiences of Individuals Undergoing Bariatric Surgery Regarding Nutritional Behaviors: A Qualitative Study

Background: Bariatric surgical interventions lead to some nutritional changes in individuals in the postoperative period. This study aimed to determine the experiences of individuals undergoing bariatric surgery regarding their nutritional behaviors. Methods and Patients: This study was conducted as qualitative research with purposal sampling method in hermeneutical phenomenological design. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form through in-depth interviews with 13 participants at a public hospital in Türkiye between November 2021 and March 2023. Face-to-face interviews were audio-recorded and conducted until data saturation was reached. MAXQDA 2022 software was utilized to analyze the data. The study adhered to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist for reporting. Results: Through data analysis, four main themes (nutritional behavior after surgery, changes in eating behavior after surgery, challenges associated with bariatric surgery, and coping strategies) were created. The first main theme had two main themes and five subthemes. The second main theme had five subthemes. The third and fourth main themes had four subthemes. Conclusion: Our study highlights the changes in nutritional behavior, difficulties getting used to a new life, and coping mechanisms after bariatric surgery were clarified. Despite many changes and negative experiences, individuals developed coping strategies.