Gastric bypass surgery (GBP) is the most common treatment for morbid obesity (body mass index ≥35). To date, the person with obesity has been the main focus in bariatric nursing and research, although the person coexists within their family.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to describe family functioning in relation to GBP.
Methods:
Open ended questions were used. Nine families were interviewed on two occasions within 2 weeks 3 months after surgery. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to a hermeneutic method.
Main Findings:
An ongoing process of alterations related to family functioning was identified. Before, GBP families experienced distance and disengagement. Immediately after GBP, there were changes within relationships. Families experienced a period of difficulty, in interactions, while adapting to the lifestyle changes and altered positions. After 3 months, families experienced enhanced closeness in inter-relations within the family and increased social interactions as a whole family with friends and relatives.
Conclusions:
To better support families and enhance family functioning, bariatric nursing care needs to shift focus from an individual to a family perspective. Further studies are needed to gain a longitudinal perspective and improve understanding of family functioning after GBP.
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