Dietary experiences after bariatric surgery in patients with obesity: A qualitative systematic review.

This systematic review evaluated the dietary experience of patients with obesity post-bariatric surgery. Scopus, CINAHL, Medline, Psych INFO, and Embase databases were searched and JBI Critical Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment. Thomas and Harden's three-stage thematic synthesis was undertaken using the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) statement for reporting. Of the 24 studies extracted, we coded and developed 34 descriptive themes into 7 categories, which were then categorized to 3 analytical themes. The number of all the participants in the 24 articles is 383 people. The results revealed most patients can control their diet for a short period post-surgery. However, this was a matter of gradual self-consciousness as patients also required support and dietary management in postoperative recovery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The protocol for this qualitative systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021229083).