Care or sabotage? A reflexive thematic analysis of perceived partner support throughout the bariatric surgery journey.

Some patients perceived social support as a positive resource in BS success involving Mutual Investment from their partners and being offered Positive Reinforcements for changes in their weight status and wellbeing. Some, however, described more negative aspects of support which had undermined their BS goals, either unintentionally or intentionally, through acts of sabotage including Feeder Behaviours and Negative Reactions to Weight Loss Attempts and Successes. Future research should develop interventions to help prepare the partners of those undergoing BS for the changes to both their partner's weight status and the dynamics of their relationship.