Miss Clare Pekin1, Dr Kelsey Pateman2,3, Prof Gerard Byrne1,4
1Faculty of Medicine University of Queensland, Herston QLD 4006, Australia, Australia, 2Allied Health Research, RBWH Allied Health Professions, Herston QLD 4006, Australia, Australia, 3School of Dentistry University of Queensland, Herston QLD 4006, Australia, Australia, 4RBWH Mental Health Service, Herston QLD 4006, Australia, Australia
Biography:
Clare Pekin is a clinical psychologist and PhD candidate.
Abstract:
“I didn’t become selfish but I became more aware of myself”
Background:
Bariatric surgery is considered a major life adjustment. People with diabetes often seek bariatric surgery for diabetes remission, however, comorbid mental health conditions may increase the stress of adapting to change. What remains unclear is how people living with mental health conditions adapt over time to challenges following bariatric surgery for diabetes management. This study aimed to understand the experiences and allied health care needs of consumers.
Method:
A qualitative study explored the personal adjustment experiences of people living with mental health conditions years after undergoing bariatric surgery. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who provided informed consent. Participants were 10 patients recruited from a public hospital who had previously undergone bariatric surgery for diabetes management and identified as living with a mental health condition. The age range was from 40 to 67 years old. Two participants identified as indigenous Australians. Interviews asked open questions about life following bariatric surgery. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcripts.
Results:
Five superordinate themes emerged: Post-traumatic growth (e.g. self-discovery, meaningfulness of life, self-compassion), preoccupied experiences, withdrawal experiences, internal bodily focus and hunger perception.
Conclusion:
Opportunities for allied health professionals to support the adjustment experience of people living with mental health conditions after surgery are outlined from consumers experience. Ways to extend and future research opportunities are discussed.