Table 2.

Theoretical codes and their properties

Focused code	Theoretical code	Properties
Failing	Understanding failure as embedded in risk	Worrying about the risk of failing
		Accepting setbacks as temporary failures that can be rectified
		Not caring about failing
Moving forward	Adjustment period interpreted as a risk‐laden process both positives and negatives	Accepting and working with the changes that surgery brings
		Challenging the changes to life imposed by surgery
		Worrying that surgery causes problems
		Finding mechanisms for dealing with awkward situations
		Not regretting the decision to have surgery
		Feeling head and body are reconnected
		Knowledge as empowering and gaining control
Keeping secrets	The fear of being judged forcing participants to not disclose having surgery	Defining difficult situations and in what contexts they occur
		Explicating the difficult situations and the reasons underpinning these
		Identifying which participants find certain situations more difficult and why
Support seeking	Conceptualizing the role of support in the adjustment process	Defining factors affecting support seeking
		What/who are defined as sources of support
		What are the properties of support seekers and those who do not seek support?