COVID-19 and obesity: Difficulties faced by patients in the preoperative period for bariatric surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease that poses health risks and is associated with severe forms of COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, psychological difficulties may emerge more often in obese patients. Objective: to evaluate possible impacts when coping with the pandemic in patients in the preoperative period for bariatric surgery. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study with a qualitative approach and data collected through semi-structured interviews. The sample was composed of patients in the preoperative period for bariatric surgery. Three main thematic axes were previously established, and after transcribing the interviews, the answers were analyzed and classified into categories. Results: Seventeen patients in the preoperative period for bariatric surgery were interviewed, 10 females and 7 males. The mean age of participants was 36.7 ± 13.6 years, and the mean body mass index was 43.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2. The patients had difficulties in following the nutritional protocol and performing physical activities, which are important in preparing for bariatric surgery. The moment experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic caused sequels, particularly emotional ones, in the interviewees. Conclusion: It is important to maintain frequent monitoring by multidisciplinary teams for these patients during the pandemic, even if remotely, to improve the management of their physical and mental health in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery.