Gastric Bypass Surgery - Assignment Example

IPA Report Cover Sheet IPA Report: Potential Effects of Bypass Surgery on Obese People Declaration By submitting this work I acknowledge that I am its author, that all sources consulted in its preparation are referenced appropriately in accordance with the referencing guide, and that I have not copied from any source. IPA Report: Effects of Bypass Surgery on Obese People Method Reflexive Paragraph Gastric bypass surgery (also commonly known as Bariatric surgery) is a weight loss surgical operation that has a number of significant psychological effects on the experience of the affected patients. This is particularly attributed to the fact that many obese individuals often experience difficulties in their social situations and struggle with self-esteem issues due to their body image. However, although bariatric surgery can potentially help reduce some of the emotional and psychological issues associated with obesity, it does not always result in immediate reversal of the condition (Kubik, et al., 2013, p.5). On the other hand, persons who have undergone Gastric bypass surgery may also experience significant changes in their bodies once they have lost weight thereby resulting in mixed feelings (both positive and negative). The present research seeks to critically analyze the diverse experience of obese people following Gastric bypass surgery as well as how they make sense of their experiences. Analytic Approach The primary methodology used in this report is Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method. Generally, the IPA is a psychological qualitative research method that involves providing a detailed description of the participants, their perceptions and experiences (Shinebourne, 2011, p.65). Compared to other common research methods, IPA is distinct in that it involves the integration of interpretative, psychological and ideographic techniques (Gill, 2014, p.121). The method particularly aims to provide insights into how the participants make sense of their experiences of a particular phenomenon such as in the case of undergoing bypass surgery which may be seen as a major life event in their experiences. The experience of the participants can particularly be revealed and understood by analyzing their accounts as contained in their diaries, videos and interview transcripts (Smith, Flower and Larkin, 2009). In order to provide a better understanding of the experiences of gastric bypass surgery patients and the effects of the operation on their lives, the video recordings of the experiences of the four participants were critically analyzed and categorized into major themes using IPA technique. The primary tool used in this research was the experiences of obese people as well as their expectations regarding gastric bypass surgery. Generally, small sample sizes like 4 participants used in the present research as normally preferred as smaller sample sizes provide better ideographic analysis of each of the individual cases. The first step of the IPA analysis involved reading the transcripts of the videos several times in order to understand and make sense of the presented data regarding the diverse experiences of the obese persons undergoing gastric bypass surgery. This procedure was particularly critical in helping identify some of the striking issues and themes common across the experiences of all the participants. For example, a detail of each of the participants and how they made sense of the events before and after the gastric bypass surgery was recorded in tables so as to make it easier to interpret their experiences (Shinebourne, 2011, p.36). The next step of the IPA analysis entailed undertaking an exploratory coding by noting and recording any striking common theme among the responses contained in the transcripts. The use of exploratory coding was particularly intended to help focus on the content and description of the experiences of the participants based on the key words and quotes obtained from the transcripts of their video recordings. The main super-ordinate themes as well as the minor themes within each of the super-ordinate themes were then identified and recorded on the left margin of the tables. This was particularly based on the pattern of connection between the experiences of the participants. In this regard all of the emerging themes were clustered together under a single super-ordinate theme. (Smith, Flowers, Larkin, 2009). Finally, the findings regarding the experiences of each participant were then combined into a single table of super-ordinate themes as shown below: Discussion Fig 5: Master table of super-ordinate themes and themes for the group Themes Page/line Key words/quotes Super-ordinate Theme 1 Optimism Use participants’ initials to indicate source of quote Theme Positive hopes B.31-31 hopefully Theme Excitement A: 162 I’m really really excited Theme Expectations M.237-238 restart a new life with a new body Theme Anxiety M.248 so fingers crossed Theme Confidence B.7-12 I’m looking forward to feeling better Super-ordinate Theme 2 Body Image Theme Self-esteem Problems A.135-137 if you’re different from anybody Theme Denial R.66-67 I always like to think I can overcome and do anything Theme Embarrassment R.61-63 How embarrassing Theme Anger A.136-139 makes me angry Theme Consolation R. Fortunately I’m five foot nine Super-ordinate Theme 3 Emotional Adjustment Theme Fear of the Unknown R.68-69 my health is always in warranty Theme Depression M.224-226 Sleeping is a complete nightmare Theme Unhappiness M.239-240 like the last 20 years which is unhappy Theme Hopelessness R.44-46 my weight is the one thing I haven’t been able to conquer Theme Guilt R:46 gaining ground to be malignant obese Super-ordinate Theme 4 Social Relationships Theme Social Stigma R.71 You’re too pretty to be big as you are Theme Spirituality R.37-38 I love the Lord with all my heart Theme Need for Affection A.154-155 spending time with my friends Theme Teasing/Bullying A.138 I get a lot of you know the stares and the laughs Theme Lack of Social Support R.70-73. People on the other hand also can be cruel Analysis of the Super-Ordinate Themes 1. Optimism This is a major theme common in the experiences of all the participants as each of them are optimistic and hopeful of getting a new life after undergoing a gastric by-pass surgery. The high expectations of the individuals following gastric bypass surgery often lead to an enhanced sense of optimism, renewed hope and even anxiety. This is particularly evidenced in the following quotes. R.94-95: “I’m so excited, I can’t wait’ well that’s not something for me this was something kinda a last resort thing” “I always like to think I can overcome and do anything” B.31: “hopefully I’ll look quite a bit different when you see me again, thanks active” 2-4: “I’m going to be having gastric bypass surgery in six days I’m really excited. I’m look forward to having a new body, a new life, a happier healthier me”. A. 123-124: “but I just wanna be able to be healthier and you know, not have to be standing up there going hurry and get this over with, I’m ‘bout to die” 2. Physical Appearance Physical appearance/body image is another important super-ordinate theme that can be seen across all the participants. As part of the psychological effects of obesity, negative perceptions about one’s self-image as an obese patient may lower their self-esteem. This can further lead to further problems such as living in a state of denial, embarrassment with oneself, depression and even a complete withdrawal of the affected patient from various social circles(Kubik, et al., 2013, p.8).. Although undergoing bariatric surgery may potentially help address some of these emotional and psychological issues associated with negative self-image and perceptions of one’s appearance, it is always important to note that having losing weight is unlikely to result in an immediate reversal of the psychological situation as demonstrated by the following quotes. R. 31: “trying to look nice and trying to look good and trying to represent, there’s no need to wear sweats and hub dub, keep yourself and your appearance up and you know a lot of times people will try to get to know you and they will bypass the, fat” A.135-137: “gotten myself involved in stuff you know of course I got the teasing and all that stuff that you get if you’re different from anybody” As seen in the video transcripts of the four patients, some of the likely issues related to physical appearance and body image in bariatric surgery patients include a lingering perception that one does not look good enough even after they achieve the normal BMI, anger and denial associated with their low self-esteem, and finally feelings of being deprived as the patients may be prohibited from eating certain foods that they like. Other participants revealed that they may at times be embarrassed with their physical appearances. The body image and appearance issues may lead to low self-esteem and are mostly as a result of various conditions associated with obesity such as the perception that they do not look good, inability to perform certain tasks such as fastening belts in an aircraft among others as shown in the following quotes: R.60-62: “was on the line either I’d have to close this belt up or I find another seat, how, embarrassing, let there was some tug and pulling on the belt I uh managed to get it closed after sweating” M.224-226: “spent the last 2 or 3 years with constant back ache, problem with my joints, knees and ankles. Sleeping is a complete nightmare”. 3. Emotional Adjustment Individuals who have undergone Gastric bypass surgery may also experience significant changes in their bodies once they have lost weight thereby resulting in mixed feelings. However, although bariatric surgery can potentially help reduce some of the emotional and psychological issues associated with obesity, it does not always result in immediate reversal of the condition. This may lead to a number of emotional issues as suggested by the following extracts: A. 135-139: “I got the teasing and all that stuff that you get if you’re different from anybody”. “I am at my heaviest and I get a lot of you know the stares and the laughs and all that and yeah its horrible and it, it bothers me, makes me angry.” The emotions can also result in anger and resentment as shown below: A. 136-139: “The teasing and all that stuff that you get if you’re different from anybody and I even get a lot of it now cause I am at my heaviest and I get a lot of you know the stares and the laughs and all that and yeah its horrible and it, it bothers me, makes me angry” R. 60-69: “Um I told family and friends, didn’t tell them a lot of details because uh a lot of times people uh never know how they’ll react or whatever and you know what, I just don’t need that extra added stress” R.68-69: “trying to look nice and trying to look good and trying to represent, there’s no need to wear sweats and hub dub, keep yourself and your appearance up and you know a lot of times people will try to get to know you and they will bypass the, fat” Generally, one of the potential effects of Gastric bypass surgery is emotional changes characterized by depression and feelings of resentment associated with the body image and self-perception of appearance. This may be attributed to a number of post- Bariatric surgery changes. For example, the extra skin that often accompanies weight loss after the surgery may be quite depressing or upsetting. Additionally, the changes in diet following the surgery also sometimes cause feelings of resentment in some patients. 4. Social Relationships Social Relationships is another important universal theme among the gastric by-pass surgery as revealed in their experiences. Generally, in most cases, majority of individuals may experience an increase in their self-esteem and improved interpersonal relationships following a successful bariatric surgery as they enjoy their new body image. This may further enhance their sex-life, and consequently strengthen their intimate lives. However, the patients may also experience difficulties in making or sustaining social relationships due to lack of social acceptance or their low self-esteem. This is clearly seen in the quotes below: R.70-73. “People on the other hand also can be cruel, uh one time I was in Vegas and a lady said ‘You’re too pretty to be as big as you are’ and I er at that point didn’t know whether to hit her or thank her, I don’t know if that’s a compliment or what”. A.154-155: “I love erm spending time with my friends and my family and my pets” A.136-139 “The teasing and all that stuff that you get if you’re different from anybody and I even get a lot of it now cause I am at my heaviest and I get a lot of you know the stares and the laughs and all that and yeah its horrible” Generally, obese patients usually experience greater needs for social support as they cope with the challenges of undergoing bariatric surgery particularly with regard to the changed lifestyles. In this regard, families, friends and even pets may form an important part of their lives. This is critically important not only in enabling the patients to adopt to their changing lifestyle but also to help them develop feelings of part of the sociality an change their previous negative perceptions about their self. Conclusion In conclusion, the present IPA analysis has revealed that undergoing Gastric bypass surgery may potentially result in a number of significant psychological effects on the experience as well as how they make sense of their experiences. For example, the video recorded experiences of the four participants suggest that obese individuals usually experience difficulties in their social situations and struggle with self-esteem issues due to their body image. In addition, persons who have undergone Gastric bypass surgery may also experience significant changes in their bodies once they have lost weight thereby resulting in mixed feelings (both positive and negative). The present research seeks to critically analyze the diverse experience of obese people following Gastric bypass surgery as well as how they make sense of their experiences. References Atkinson, P., Coffey, A., & Delamont, S. 2003. Key Themes in Qualitative Research. California: AltaMira Press. Gill, M. J. 2014. The Possibilities of Phenomenology for Organizational Research. Organizational Research Methods, 17, 2, 118-137. Kubik, J.F, Gill, R.S, Laffin, M, Karmali, S. 2013.The impact of bariatric surgery on psychological health. Journal of Obesity 837989(1):pp.1-8. Smith, JA, Flower, P, Larkin, M. 2009. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research. London: Sage. Shinebourne, P. 2011. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. In N. Frost. Qualitative Research Methods in Psychology: Combining core approaches. Open University. 2(3): p.44-65. Read More