Abstract
Abstract
Obesity is increasing worldwide and is so pervasive in the United States as to be classified an epidemic. Obese persons are discriminated against in all aspects of their lives including health care. Although research has demonstrated nurses exhibit prejudicial attitudes toward obese patients, it is not known if this prejudice extends to obese patients who undergo surgery for weight loss. In this hermeneutic phenomenology qualitative study, 12 nurses were interviewed to uncover what their experiences were in caring for postoperative bariatric patients. Data analysis using Colaizzi's model revealed two themes: getting up for the first time and negotiating with families. Although this study does not support the concept that nurses are prejudiced, it does give insight into how nurses view caring for this patient group. This study supports the use of phenomenology for gathering information and the use of critical social theory to investigate and uncover the attitudes of nurses who care for postoperative bariatric surgical patients. Recommendations are offered for nursing research, education, practice, and social awareness.
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