‘Go into it with your eyes open’: A reflexive thematic analysis of the experiences of partners of individuals who have had metabolic and bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVES: Despite the important role partners of those who have received metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) play, research on their experiences is limited, often concentrating on the couple as a whole rather than on the partner specifically. Additionally, much of this research relies on quantitative methods that offer less opportunity for in-depth exploration. This qualitative study therefore aimed to investigate the experiences of current or previous partners of people who have had MBS. DESIGN: Current partners of people who have had MBS (N = 10) participated in semi-structured interviews. METHODS: The data were analysed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three main themes were derived from the data: Adjusting to a Changing Partner, Navigating an Evolving Relationship and Becoming a Better Version of Myself as a Partner. CONCLUSIONS: Partners can struggle with changes after MBS, which can impact their relationship in both positive and negative ways. They find it easier to provide support if they have been involved in the decision-making process before surgery and viewed it as a 'tandem' journey. These findings underscore the need to include partners pre- and post-MBS and for psychoeducational interventions to help partners navigate the stresses that MBS can place on their relationship.