Purpose/Aims: This study aims to identify the social impact of gastric bypass on a group of post operative women. Attempts to understand the social impact of gastric bypass through the lens of critical qualitative research (CQR) is absent from the literature.

Background: In the past two decades the increase in morbid obesity has risen substantially. Obesity is defined as excessive fat which has accumulated in the body and has reached a Body Mass Index (BMI0 of 30 or greater. Sixty percent of adults in the United States are overweight, and at least 30 percent are considered obese. The health care industry recognizes obesity as a chronic disease. In response more and more obese people are electing to undergo gastric bypass surgery as a weight reduction strategy. Research has shown that postoperative benefits reach far beyond that of weight loss and impact other aspects of the individual’s life as well.  

Methods: Using semi-structured along with probes to elicit information from emic perspective informants will be asked how they perceived the social impact of gastric bypass on their lives. Carspecken’s five stage Critical Qualitative Research (CQR) method will be utilized in order to critically examine the data for emerging themes within this phenomenon of study. The five stage approach provides an understanding of “how to” conduct qualitative research. A snowball sample will be used to recruit informants.

Results: Cuba and Lincoln’s Validation criteria will be used to establish rigor.   Descriptive statistics will be collected on the informants. The major themes will be identified and disseminated in a poster presentation.

Implications:  The study will add to the scant literature on the perceived social impact of gastric bypass surgery in women. Through the process of CQR, the knowledge gained from this study will lead to expanded knowledge base.