Understanding the psychosocial impact of life after bariatric surgery

One increasingly common intervention for obesity is bariatric surgery. However, weight regain post-surgery presents as a significant challenge, psychologically, socially, and financially. Clinical focus to date centres on the physical health and reasoning behind weight regain, the lived experiences remain under-explored. The review synthesises qualitative research to understand the psychosocial experiences associated with weight regain post-bariatric surgery. The systematic review consists of 11 qualitative studies, examining the patient's lived experience of weight regain post-bariatric surgery. Four themes were identified: Social Isolation, Relationship Breakdown, Unrealistic Expectations, and False Sense of Control. The review supports the existing literature and adds a patient-centred narrative to the lived experience of weight regain post-bariatric surgery. It is a profoundly personal experience, leading to psychological challenges, social isolation, and a disrupted sense of identity. The review herein underscores the need for long-term psychological support, improved pre and post-operative education, and targeted interventions to normalise weight regain without stigma. Clinical implications could include improving training for healthcare professionals to engage and treat weight regain. Further research should focus on UK-specific data, and consideration should be given to under-represented areas such as male-specific studies, or the impact of ethnicity, culture or learning disabilities on post-bariatric experiences.