The complexity of obesity and life after bariatric surgery: A public health issue

Abstract

The high incidence of obese people submitted to bariatric surgery as treatment for obesity has prompted the need to carry out a survey to ascertain the repercussions of this treatment on the health of a group of individuals subjected to such surgery. Data were collected via in-depth interviews, focusing on identification of the background to the situation that led to the decision to submit to obesity surgery and the quality of daily life after treatment. The analysis showed that the constant difficulties and frustrations in combating obesity and the expectation of the definitive cure led to the decision to submit to surgery in that group. However, life after surgery was characterized as a continuous process of challenges with further hurdles in order to learn how to live again on a day-to-day basis and return to full health. This also presents challenges for the health team as it involves greater investment in public health, improvement strategies for prevention and control of obesity of the population and comprehensive care actions for those individuals. Such complexity requires interdisciplinary expertise with an approach in line with the emotional and socio-cultural issues of this population group.