MOTIVATION AND DECISION-MAKING FACTORS IN CHOOSING BARIATRIC SURGERY. A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Authors

  • Mădălina MAXIM Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • D. V. TIMOFTE Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/

Abstract

Understanding patients' reasons for undergoing bariatric surgery and their expectations regarding their next surgery it is important to provide best clinical practice and reduce unrealistic expectations. Materials and methods: The present study represents a prospective cohort, which included 65 patients undergoing bariatric surgery at the Iași Bariatric Surgery Center, Romania, between April 2023 and April 2024. The preoperative evaluation included the analysis of the reasons why the patients opted for surgery, as well as the collection of anthropometric, socio-professional data and associated comorbidities. The postoperative evaluation aimed at weight loss and the evolution of the results obtained following the surgery. Results: The mean change in body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery was 14.42 kg/m². At 1 year after surgery, the mean percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) was 66.04%. Before surgery, the most frequently reported reason for requesting surgery was weight loss (47.9%), and this was maintained postoperatively, followed by improved self-esteem and reduced comorbidities. Conclusions: The main reason for seeking bariatric surgery was weight loss. However, despite significant weight loss, self-esteem was the element that generated the greatest satisfaction after surgery. Our findings may be useful in the clinical context, when patients are informed before surgery about what to expect, as well as when meeting with a patient after surgery to discuss aftercare.

Author Biographies

  • Mădălina MAXIM, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Sf. Spiridon County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iași, Romania

  • D. V. TIMOFTE, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

    Sf. Spiridon County Clinical Emergency Hospital, Iași, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2026-04-01

Issue

Vol. 130 No. 1 (2026): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

SURGERY

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