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Preventing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery: patient perspectives on a technology-based approach

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Abstract

Background

Nearly two-thirds of patients engage in alcohol use after bariatric surgery, while a substantial number meet criteria for alcohol use disorder after their procedure. Given that pre-surgical education may not be sufficient, alternative methods of preventing post-surgical drinking are needed. We sought feedback on a proposed technology-based intervention to reduce alcohol use for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Methods

Twenty patients who consumed alcohol post-surgery completed qualitative interviews where they provided opinions on sample intervention content, delivery method, timing, and other aspects of a two-session web-based intervention followed by tailored text messaging for 6 months. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis principles.

Results

Participants strongly endorsed using technology to deliver an alcohol intervention, citing the interactivity and personal tailoring available in the proposed software. Education about the effects of post-surgical drinking and learning new coping strategies for social situations were the two most salient themes to emerge from questions about intervention content. Throughout the interviews, participants strongly highlighted the importance of measuring patient readiness to change alcohol use and matching intervention content to such motivation levels. Respondents felt that text messages could extend what they had learned, but also requested additional non-alcohol content (e.g., recipes, exercise tips). Most participants agreed that an online forum consisting of peers and professionals with whom they could ask questions and interact would be useful.

Conclusion

Web- and text message-based interventions may be an acceptable approach to prevent alcohol use post-bariatric surgery.

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Funding

This study was funded through a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA027775). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funder.

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Author notes

  1. Leah M. Hecht is now a Behavioral Scientist at WeightWatchers.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Health Policy and Health Services Research, Henry Ford Health, One Ford Place, Suite 5E, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

    Jordan M. Braciszewski, Leah M. Hecht, Erin N. Haley & Lisa R. Miller-Matero

  2. Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University, Providence, USA

    Nancy P. Barnett

  3. Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, USA

    Roland S. Moore

  4. Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, USA

    Arthur M. Carlin

  5. Behavioral Health, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, USA

    Erin N. Haley & Lisa R. Miller-Matero

Authors
  1. Jordan M. Braciszewski
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  2. Leah M. Hecht
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  3. Nancy P. Barnett
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  4. Roland S. Moore
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jordan M. Braciszewski.

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Disclosures

Jordan M. Braciszewski, Leah M. Hecht, Nancy P. Barnett, Roland S. Moore, Arthur M. Carlin, Erin N. Haley, Lisa R. Miller-Matero have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Braciszewski, J.M., Hecht, L.M., Barnett, N.P. et al. Preventing alcohol use post-bariatric surgery: patient perspectives on a technology-based approach. Surg Endosc 37, 8263–8268 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10407-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-023-10407-0

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