Exploring Biopsychosocial Wellbeing Following Bariatric-Metabolic Surgery: A Qualitative Pilot Study
Year: 2026
Type: report
Abstract: ABSTRACT Background: Obesity rates are rising. Bariatric surgery offers treatment for individuals with class ≥ 1 obesity. While dietary recommendations are clear, psychological support and physical activity recommendations are less examined. The study explored bariatric patients' perceptions of their biopsychosocial well-being, focusing on physical activity and digital technology supporting behavioral change. Purpose: The main aim of the pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a semi-structured interview; the secondary goals were to evaluate topic coverage and develop a preliminary coding framework. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded in MAXQDA coded by three researchers, using Strauss and Corbin’s open coding methodology. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Postoperative patients face a range of biopsychosocial challenges and benefit from multidisciplinary support. Digital technologies facilitate the monitoring of behavior and the provision of social support. The study identified methodological limitations that informed subsequent refinements. Conclusion: The study confirmed the feasibility of the interview format, validated topic relevance, and provided groundwork for the main follow-up study for the project DigiWELL.
Institution: University of Ostrava
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204030261