title: Social Support for Women Who Have Undergone Bariatric Surgery.
abstract: We explored the role that social support plays in the lives of women who have undergone bariatric surgery. We conducted in-depth interviews with 13 women who had had bariatric surgery (M age = 53.0 years) and analyzed the data using constant comparison processes. We found that individuals in participants' lives offered support by acting as role models and providing information, offering empathy and expressions of concern and caring, assisting with everyday responsibilities, and serving as companions. In turn, these forms of support guided participants' behavior, calmed their concerns, enhanced their self-esteem, relieved them of daily responsibilities, and offered them companionship in their bariatric journeys. Consistent with the existing theory, differently situated individuals specialized in offering particular types of support. Although participants appreciated the support received, many indicated a desire for more or "better" support, pointing to a need for resources guiding supporters in how to best offer support to bariatric patients.
authors: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA ogle@cahs.colostate.edu.
authors: Jennifer Paff
authors: JP
authors: Ogle
authors: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
authors: Juyeon
authors: J
authors: Park
authors: Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
authors: Mary Lynn
authors: ML
authors: Damhorst
authors: Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
authors: Linda Arthur
authors: LA
authors: Bradley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D050110:Bariatric Surgery / Q000523:psychology*; D003657:Decision Making; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000601:surgery; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health
keywords: obesity / overweight; social support; surgery; weight management; women’s health