Stress and WLS???? Help designing survey

Hi BAF Family--- UPDATE: I took a break from my health psychology research for awhile to pay more attention to my weight loss and transition in lifestyle. This has been quite a journey. Hills and valleys all going toward the place where God intends me to be.... I have ME & MY POUCH a little better under control, so I'm back to working on my research. I lost 95 lbs., so far!!!! Yipeeeeeeee!!!!!! I'm a health psychologist at the University of South Carolina, as well as a a Dec 2004 WLS patient. I am starting an online survey (The BARI-LIFE Survey) that looks at stress, life challenges, spirituality, social support and weight loss. I'm interested in finding out if stress levels prediect weight loss among WLS patients. I'm also interested in the role of spirituality, and family and friends in either contributing to stress or protecting us from stress. The survey will be anonymous and takes about 30 minutes to complete online. I'm asking Dec 2004 members, to give me some insight as I design the survey: 1. Do you think that stress plays a role in our weight loss? 2. Do you feel that people would participate in the project? 3. What would be reasons for not participating? 4. How can I get more people to participate besides bribes, cruises, and money? LOL. I don't have a grant for this project yet. Thanks so much in advance!!!!! Hugs, Cheri

Awwwwwwwww come on ya'll. I know this is geeky, but WLS folk need to be represented in science. I just need to know if you think online surveys would work? Cheri

I would participate. Understand that these are just my opinions. I don't mean to preach or teach..... okay?? 1. I think stress plays a role in every aspect of a persons life. What differs amongst thin /heavy persons is how they deal with stress. Some folks stop eating, some folks eat more, some folks eat comfort foods and some folks choose non-food ways to deal with stress. Those who choose to work out at the gym to work off their stress are better able to cope in the long run, as they suffer less physical stress as a result of their methods. Those *****act to stress through food, eventually suffer the consequences of the diet changes and it creates more stress for them. 2. You will find people willing to participate. 3. There are always people who prefer to keep their private lives private. Those persons would not participate. However, you should still get enough participation to make your efforts worthwhile. 4. The participation level would be better if you provided an anonymous format for the participants. Karen G

Dear CHeri, I think it would work, but in order to get it published, you'll need to write a protocol, compose your questionnaire, and get the project approved by an IRB. The best one would be your local university. Then, you can publish your research in a peer-reviewed journal. Angie, RN, MSN Fellow Dec. Crew, and Washington University School of Medicine IRB Member.

Hi Angie-- Thanks for the suggestions. As an associate professor, I'm probably TOO familiar with the IRB publication/ process. Right now, I'm just assessing interest and feasibility of doing an online survey of web-based support groups. Wash U has a tough IRB. I'm a SLU grad, myself. I miss the Saint Louis area. I appreciate you taking time to respond. I can always use advice. Cheri

Cheri, I would be willing to help you out, just let me know when and how. I think that this is a great idea and I would be very interested to see what you find out. Take care, Loni

Thanks Loni!!!!!! It should be ready by the end of the month. I'll post something on this board. I'm hoping to be able to provide a stress profile at the end of the survey for everybody. Cheri

Hi Cheri, first off congratulations on your -95 lbs. You will hit the century club very soon. What you are proposing is very interesting and I would be more than willing to help you. Just keep me abreast of any information you will need. Fran