Abstract:
Background: Bariatric surgery is becoming a common procedure to control the obesity problem. However, despite the prevalence of the surgery, little is known regarding the motivation of patients who seek out these procedures. The present study aims to identify reported reasons for bariatric surgery and determine if there is a difference between male and female response regarding the motives for seeking bariatric surgery. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 182 consecutive obese patients came for bariatric surgery at Minia University hospital from June to November, 2019. Patients asked to fill self-administered questionnaire preoperatively. Results: The mean age was 32.6±6 and 52% of the studied participants were males and 48% were females. The most patients seeking surgery are motivated primarily by medical condition (30.2%) and health concerns (20.3%). Females were concerned more by their appearance as a motive for seeking bariatric surgery, 34.5% compared to 0.0% of males. Females were embarrassed socially about themselves, 24.1% compared to 2.1% of males. However, males more likely to choose medical condition (41% vs 18.4 %, P=0.02) as their most important factor for seeking surgery. Conclusions: The appearance is the most important motive for the females and the physical health is the most important motive for the males.