J Metab Bariatr Surg.  2023 Dec;12(2):44-56. 10.17476/jmbs.2023.12.2.44.

Increasing Accessibility to Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Study Based on In-Depth Interviews of Korean Adult Patients With Severe Obesity

• Chung Y
• Jun M
• Jeon D
• Paik B
• Kim YJ

• KMID: 2552771
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17476/jmbs.2023.12.2.44

Abstract

Purpose
After the initiation of national health insurance coverage in 2019, the number of metabolic bariatric surgeries (MBSs) in Korea has been increasing. Despite evidence regarding its efficacy, many candidates are hesitant regarding surgery for the treatment of severe obesity. This study interviewed patients who received MBS to further understand potential barriers and increase the accessibility of MBS.
Materials and Methods
Eight interviewees who received MBS after 2019 participated. The interviews began in mid-July 2022 over approximately a month. Each one-on-one interview lasted a few hours and was done in person. The interviews were transcribed, and the results were analyzed based on grounded theory.
Results
This study focused on the quality of life before and after MBS. On a scale of 1 to 10, all patients had a high degree of satisfaction in quality of life after surgery (average score: 8.9, sleeve gastrectomy: 8.8, and bypass surgery: 9). Scores did not differ depending on procedure type, but factors that caused satisfaction and dissatisfaction were distributed differently between the 2 procedures.
Conclusion
Quality of life is significantly improved for patients undergoing MBS despite discomfort after surgery. Further promotion of the understanding of obesity as a chronic progressive disease is needed for both surgical candidates and the public to increase acceptance of MBS.

Keyword

Qualitative research; Bariatric surgery; Quality of life; Metabolic surgery; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass