ANTHROPOMETRIC AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES AND PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICAL HEALTH AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES AFTER ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS: A SEQUENTIAL EXPLANATORY MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Name: LUCAS ROSAS CAMPELO
Publication date: 24/02/2026
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| BLANCA ELENA GUERRERO DABOIN | Coorientador |
| FABIANO KENJI HARAGUCHI | Presidente |
| MICHELLE FERREIRA GUIMARAES | Examinador Interno |
| TASSIANE CRISTINA MORAIS | Examinador Externo |
Summary: Introduction: Obesity is a major global health challenge, and bariatric surgery
stands out as an effective treatment, promoting rapid anthropometric and
metabolic improvements in the first postoperative months. However, studies
investigating how patients experience and interpret these initial changes in their
daily lives remain scarce. Aim: To analyze the biochemical and anthropometric
changes in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and to explore how these
changes are experienced and perceived by these patients in terms of physical
health and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: This is a mixed-methods
study with an explanatory sequential design, conducted at a public university
hospital in Espírito Santo, Brazil, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods.
In the quantitative phase, anthropometric and biochemical data from 37 patients
were evaluated at two time points: about two months before and six months after
surgery. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon test, with a
significance level of 5%. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured
interviews six months after bariatric surgery with 11 patients, whose narratives
were analyzed using a thematic approach and triangulated with the clinical data.
Results: Quantitative results showed statistically significant reductions in body
weight, BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, and glucose (p<0.05).
Qualitative findings indicated significant gains in quality of life, reduction of pain,
and improved mobility, but also highlighted challenges related to dietary
adaptation, side effects, and the importance of family and professional support
during the postoperative period. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery led to significant
clinical and biochemical improvements, associated with better perceived health,
functional gains, reduced medication use, improved quality of life, and greater
autonomy. Additionally, qualitative findings highlighted the influence of social
factors on the postoperative experience, emphasizing the need for future
investigations.
