‘Is anyone else’s husband trying to undermine them all the time?’: A reflexive thematic analysis of online support forum discussions about bariatric surgery saboteurs

Abstract

Online support forums (OSFs) are an increasingly utilised social support resource for bariatric surgery (BS) patients. OSFs could permit patients to discuss sensitive topics, such as being sabotaged post-BS. This study aimed to explore the phenomenon of BS saboteurs via BS-specific OSFs. Two internet search engines were used to identify BS-specific OSFs. The eligible OSF(s) was searched to identify relevant threads. Thread data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. One OSF was eligible. The final dataset included 18 threads (N replies = 569). Three themes were identified: Feeder Behaviours, Negative Reactions to Bariatric Surgery-Induced Weight Loss and Strategies to Avoid and/or Manage Bariatric Surgery Saboteurs. Transcending these was the notion of The Online Support Forum as a Source of Substituted Social Support and Place of Solace. In lieu of the limited social support received in real life, BS patients use OSFs as a form of social support when being sabotaged.