Application of an Integrated Model to Predict Behavior in the Bariatric Surgery Population

Obesity is a complex chronic condition that affects over half of adult Americans. One weight loss option is weight loss surgery; however, surgery does not guarantee that the weight loss is permanent. The patient must adhere to the post-operative treatment regimen in order to maintain the weight loss. Adherence to the post-operative diet and exercise prescriptions is multifactorial; there is no one variable that can predict post-operative behavior. Discovering the salient beliefs and attitudes of these patients is necessary in order to design pre-operative and post-operative programs aimed at increasing adherence; however, this can be daunting unless guided by a theory or model. Using an integrated behavioral model to help determine the patient's salient attitudes and beliefs can assist bariatric nurses in tailoring pre-operative and post-operative interventions aimed at maximizing long-term weight loss and preventing weight regain. This integrated model is described and evaluated for use in the bariatric surgery population.