A gastric bypass research opportunity for my readers!

Updated Feb 2017: Please note Sara has enough participants and she is not currently accepting anyone else.

The internet is such an amazing place. This week I have been contacted by a Massey University student who is currently in the recruiting phase for her Masters research project. We have follow each other on Instagram and have been interacting with each other for a little while so she got in touch with me to see if I could help her out.

Sara is undertaking a research project where she is going to focus on the ‘lived experience’ of women undergoing gastric bypass. This is how she sums it up, “What we are trying to do is look at how people could be better supported in the very early phase of the process: before surgery and up to six months after surgery at this point. I’m focusing of which aspects of life participants have found most challenging, or most helpful, in preparing for surgery, readying themselves for the coming changes, and coping with the behavioural and psychosocial changes that come after surgery.”

Sara is looking for women over 18 years of age ,who are in the process of preparing to have gastric bypass surgery and live in New Zealand. Unfortunately if you don’t fit this criteria e.g. you’re a guy or you are having a different surgery then you won’t be able to participate in this project. When I was pre-op I would have jumped at the chance to be involved with something like this so with Sara’s permission I’m putting it out there to my readers to see if I can help her recruit some suitable participants for her research. I’m really pleased to see some gastric bypass related research being done in New Zealand and I’m really interested to see the findings Sara makes.

The study information and qualifying criteria are listed below. If you are interested in participating Sara’s contact details are at the bottom of the below information and I’m sure she would love to hear from you so get in touch. Here is a link to the info on the Massey University website.

The RYGB Study

What are the goals of this research?

The purpose of the RYGB study is to ‘get inside’ the personal experience of undergoing a Roux-en Y gastric bypass. In particular the study aims to understand the factors which affect dietary quality and acceptance of the lifestyle changes which are necessary for success. The information gathered will be used to inform best-practice guidelines and improve outcomes for patients.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for women over the age of 18 who are in the process of preparing for a Roux-en Y gastric bypass.

What will be involved in participating?

Study participation involves the following:

• Two semi-structured interviews: one before your surgery and one six-months out
• One 3-day food record for analysis. This will be taken at the point you are eating normal food post-surgery
• Optional involvement in a Facebook chat group for study participants

Interviews may be conducted either by Skype or in-person, depending on your location. The researcher is located in Christchurch.

What are the advantages of taking part in the study?

You will receive:

• A $50 travel voucher at study completion
• A summary of study results, should this interest you

Participants may also find the process of reflecting on their journey to be personally helpful.