"Not Hungry, Yet Always Wanting To Eat": Perceptions and Experiences of Grazing Behavior in Post-Metabolic and...

Grazing behavior represents a clinically significant high-risk dietary pattern, characterized by its association with suboptimal weight loss and an increased likelihood of weight regain, prevalent among post-metabolic and bariatric surgery patients with maladaptive eating habits, while qualitative research in this domain remains underdeveloped. This study aimed to elucidate the lived experiences of patients regarding the grazing behavior in depth and provide a basis for improving patient compliance with the postoperative diet.

This study employed a phenomenological qualitative approach, utilizing purposive sampling to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 post-metabolic and bariatric surgery patients in China. Colaizzi phenomenological seven-step analysis method was used to analyze the interview content.

The obtained results presented four core themes with nine subthemes: Disconnection between physical hunger cues and eating behavior, Poor emotional regulation and uncontrolled eating, Family resistance and social scrutiny in postoperative management, and Disoriented self-management and unmet needs. Each theme was further elaborated through corresponding subthemes.

This study highlights the necessity to address postoperative sensory-perceptual disturbances, deficiencies in family support, and regional dietary cultural differences. Early targeted interventions could reduce grazing behavior incidence and promote standardized postoperative dietary management.