Table 3.

Themes, subthemes and units of meaning.

Themes	Subthemes	Units of Meaning
Accepting the problem in order to ask for help	Social stigma, the other weight of obesity	Bullying during childhood, limitations imposed by others, everything is in my head, a look is worth more than a thousand words, understanding is better amongst equals.
	Acknowledging MO	I do not identify with my body, my health comes first, physical limitations, acknowledging, self-punishment, food as comfort and social withdrawal.
	Bariatric surgery, a shared journey	Need to speak, fear, uncertainty, my only hope, sharing experiences, sharing decisions and high expectations.
The need for close support	The partner, the key support figure for MO	Emotional support, fear of being left, lack of communication, suspicion, fear of bariatric surgery and fear of complications.
	Necessary company, unpleasant scrutiny	Feeling observed, discomfort, sharing experiences, feeling scrutinised, feeling heard, a link to reality, selfless help and concern for others.
	Appearing and sharing on social networks	Looking for information, inspecting results and Whatsapp groups.
Professional support: opposing feelings	Lack of professional support	Professional indifference, lack of information, lack of empathy and bariatric surgery is not offered
	The bariatric nurse “is always there”	Trust, assurance, active listening, bariatric surgery team, nurse as a point of reference, 24/7 telephone contact and someone in whom to seek comfort.

MO: morbid obesity.