To be or not to be active – a matter of attitudes and social support? Women’s perceptions of physical activity five years after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery

Figures & data

Table I. Main topics of the interview guide about physical activity (PA).

Main topics asked during interview

- What is PA for you? - How do you perceive yourself when it comes to PA and exercise? - During the last month, how would you describe your PA? - What obstacles do you perceive you have in order to achieve a good (for you) level of PA and/or exercise? - What is your knowledge about PA? If any knowledge, where did you acquire it? - What are your thoughts about exercise and weight loss, compared to exercise and wellbeing? - Do you have any support to be active? - Do you have problems with loose skin after surgery, and if so, have it been bothering you during PA or exercise? - What advice about PA and exercise would you give to someone who were about to undergo a RYGB-surgery?

Table II. An overview of the categories and properties belonging to the core-category “Attitudes and surrounding environment influence activity levels”.

Core category	Categories	Properties
Attitudes and surrounding environment influence activity levels	Positive attitudes	Positive image of PA
		Challenge myself to improve
		To feel healthier and happier
		Social support to be active
		Develop strategies to remain active
	Shifting attitudes	Constantly on and off, with some support
	Negative attitudes	Negative image of PA
		Priorities and wishes
		No social support to be active
		Physical limitations for PA
		Exercise is only equal to dieting

Table III. Characteristics of participants.

Participant	Age (years)	Time since surgery (years)	BMI before surgery (kg/m^2)	BMI at interview (kg/m^2)	Level of education
1	48.5	4.4	39.8	25.4	<3 years university
2	46.0	4.5	44.7	28.0	High school
3	54.9	4.7	41.0	29.1	≥3 years university
4	45.1	5.1	36.2	21.0	High school
5	35.9	5.4	48.6	28.6	High school
6	48.2	5.6	39.4	25.9	≥3 years university
7	45.0	5.2	37.4	31.9	<3 years university
8	38.1	5.4	37.1	23.6	High school
9	56.0	5.1	37.5	25.8	High school
10	43.4	6.8	39.3	31.7	<3 years university
11	46.9	5.9	33.3	24.7	≥3 years university

Figure 1. Explanatory model explaining the core category “Attitudes and surrounding environment influence activity levels”.

Data availability statement

The data sets used and analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.