Grant: Project Grant

Indigenous Peoples in Canada experience higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other obesity-related diseases compared to the non-Indigenous population. This group faces many challenges including racism, lower income, and reduced access to health care. These barriers may increase diseases such as obesity and diabetes and affect lifestyle choices. Bariatric surgery, a type of weight loss surgery, is the best treatment option for obesity. Manitoba's only bariatric program follows a patient-centered approach, combining surgery with support, education and resources to promote behavior change. However, teachings around Indigenous wellness are not a part of current bariatric surgery programs. Traditional healing practices are just as or more important than Western medical approaches for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous patients want access to traditional healing methods, yet they are not available in bariatric care. The objectives of this study are: 1) to use sharing circles, an Indigenous group research approach, and individual interviews to better understand the experiences of Indigenous patients after surgery; 2) to develop guidelines for incorporating Indigenous wellness teachings for Indigenous patients into the current bariatric care model; and 3) to assess patient experiences with bariatric Indigenous-focused teaching materials delivered before surgery. Incorporating Indigenous teachings around health and wellness will strengthen the current approach to bariatric care. Offering traditional ways of healing will encourage Indigenous Peoples to actively participate in their care, leading to better health outcomes after bariatric surgery. This study has the potential to show that the inclusion of traditional healing methods into our bariatric program can positively affect the health care experiences of Indigenous patients.