Patient Perceptions of COVID-Related Impacts on Post-Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Success

• Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) Md.), 2023-11, Vol.31, p.190-190
• Main Authors: Barr-Porter, Makenzie, McIntosh, Sydney, Tooson, Jaeana, Morgan, Mary, Lewis, Audrey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; Gastrointestinal surgery; Metabolism; Success
• ISSN: 1930-7381; 1930-739X

Background: While objective measures of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (MBS) successes exists, there is limited understanding of patient-specific perceptions of success. Patient perceptions can be a valuable additional asset in informing development of post-operative programs. Methods: A cross-sectional examination of post-MBS patients in a Kentucky clinic was conducted with individuals between 1 and 4 years post-operation of an initial sleeve gastrectomy. Data collected included demographics, self-reported height and weight, weight regain, perceptions of success after surgery, and perceptions of COVID-19 impact on progress. Results: Participants (n = 18) were predominately female (88.9%), non-Hispanic white (94.1%), between 2 and 3 years post-MBS (44.4%), and had insurance coverage (47.1%). Averages of weight before surgery (302.8 ± 72.2 lbs), lowest weight (198.3 ± 51.2 lbs), percent weight regain (5.1 ± 5.2%), and percent excess weight loss (65.2 ± 23.6%) were captured. On Likert items (1 [strongly disagree] to 7 [strongly agree]), participants perceived success with weight loss (38.9% strongly agree), physical activity (44.4% agree), and choosing healthy foods (44.4% agree) relatively high. Self-efficacy to eat healthy (33.5% agree), exercise (38.9% somewhat agree), and be a healthy version of themselves (27.8% agree) were also relatively high on agreeance. In relation to COVID-19 impact on progress post-MBS, participants indicated highest impacts from COVID-19 on minimizing their activity (50.0%), frequency of eating unhealthy (50.0%), slowed weight loss (50.0%), limited healthy eating (44.4%), gained weight (38.9%), and made them anxious (33.3%), or depressed (27.8%). Conclusions: Following MBS, and particularly after the impacts of COVID-19, post-operative resources are warranted for these patients. Future efforts could benefit from providing support programming to re-instate healthy lifestyle practices.