Introduction

The title of this research study is

Discovery of Experiences, Perceptions, and Challenges of Successful Bariatric Patients.

I am Marina James, a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Hubbard in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to learn how people who have had bariatric (weight loss) surgery describe their experiences of maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery. This includes understanding how they view healthy living, the challenges they face, and the factors that help them succeed over the long term.
Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions for consenting to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you:
  • Are a bariatric (weight loss surgery) patient.
  • Had your surgery at least 5 years ago.
  • Are at least 18 years of age.
  • Lost at least 50% of your excess body weight after surgery.
  • Have maintained at least 80% of that weight loss.
  • Reside in the United States.
  • Are willing to answer brief demographic questions (e.g., date of birth, gender, race, ethnicity, income level, education level, marital status). This will take about 5 minutes, and your information will remain confidential.

You cannot participate in this study if you do not meet the above conditions, or if you:
  • Have serious cognitive or communication difficulties that prevent understanding or participation.
  • Have unmanaged psychiatric illness that may compromise safe participation.
  • Cannot provide informed consent and interview in English.
  • Lack internet access or the technology needed to participate (Zoom and SurveyMonkey).

Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?
If you agree to be in this study, you will be asked to:

What?
  • Sign the informed consent form via SurveyMonkey.
  • Complete a brief demographic questionnaire through SurveyMonkey (about 5 minutes).
  • Participate in a one-on-one Zoom interview (about 45–60 minutes). You will be asked about your support system before and after surgery; the education and assistance you received from your surgical team, friends, and family; how you adapted to food and exercise changes; your mindset; other health issues you had to overcome; and the overall changes in your life after surgery.
  • Review your interview transcript for accuracy within one week of receiving it (about 60 minutes).

When?
If you qualify for the study, the interview will be scheduled within 1–3 weeks from the date you sign the informed consent form.

Where?
The interview will be conducted online through Zoom.

How?
  • The demographic survey will be collected using the secure platform SurveyMonkey.
  • Interviews will be conducted via Zoom video conferencing.
Video Recording
During the interview, I will record using the video feature of the online conferencing platform Zoom. Because this recording will show who you are, these extra steps will be taken:
  • All recordings, transcripts, consent forms, and related materials will be securely stored in a password-protected online location.
  • Backup copies will be kept on password-protected hard drives and USB drives in a locked location.
  • A de-identified copy of the data will also be stored in Grand Canyon University’s secure online storage.
  • After three years, all data will be permanently erased from the cloud, hard drives, USB drives, and GCU storage.

If you do not want to be recorded, you cannot participate in the interview.

Privacy policy: Zoom video conferencing has its own privacy policy, which applies in addition to these protections. Privacy policy for the online Zoom conferencing platform.
Privacy policy for the online Zoom conferencing platform.
Who will have access to my data/information?
I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

Am I required to participate in this study?
Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide whether to participate in this study or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the study at any time, even if you have not finished, without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. If you decide to stop participation, you may do so by email at MJames95@my.gcu.edu. If so, I will not use the information that I collected from you before you chose to stop.

Any possible risks or discomforts?
There are no foreseeable risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?
No.

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?
You will not be paid, but you will receive:
· A $20 Starbucks or Amazon e-gift card after completing the interview.
· An additional $10 Starbucks or Amazon e-gift card if you choose to review your transcript for accuracy.
· Entry into a random drawing for a $75 Amazon.com e-gift card at the conclusion of the study.

Presentation of Information Collected

The research data will be presented by Marina James in her dissertation. Information from your interview may include some of your own words, but you will never be named. Instead, each participant will be given a special ID code that will be used in the transcripts and in the dissertation. Your name and other personal details will not be shown.

Privacy and Data Security
Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?
Yes.

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)?
Yes. Your original demographic form will include identifying information. These forms will be stored securely on a password-protected drive.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?
Yes.

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?
I will create an ID code for each participant in the order of the interviews.

If yes, how will researchers secure the link of names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?
Each participant will be assigned an ID code in the order of the interviews. The ID list linking names and codes will be stored with the demographic questionnaires in a password-protected drive and cloud storage. I will be the only one with access. The files will be retained for three years after the study is complete and securely destroyed by March 15, 2029.
How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?
All study data will be stored in electronic form only. This includes:
  • Video recordings
  • Survey responses
  • Signed informed consent forms
  • Demographic questionnaires
  • Interview transcripts

These files will be stored in password-protected personal and cloud storage. Backup copies will also be saved on password-protected hard drives and USB drives in a locked location. Artificial intelligence (AI) software may be used to help with transcription and coding during analysis. Only de-identified data will be used for AI processing, meaning your name and any other identifying details will be removed before the data is uploaded.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?
For enhanced research efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI) software may be utilized to analyze collected data and may involve the de-identified exchange of some personal or sensitive information. The data will not be disclosed in a way that could identify you.

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?
A minimum of three years after study completion.

Who will have access to the protected data?
I will have access to all of your data and information. In addition, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for survey platforms (Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, mTurk, Google, etc.), any recording software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.), interview software, survey software, artificial intelligence software, or transcription software companies?
Below are links to the platforms that will be used in this study:
· Zoom Privacy Policy
· SurveyMonkey Privacy Policy
· Otter.ai Privacy Policy
For California Residents ONLY
For the state of California, participants have additional rights through the State: The right to know about the personal information a business collects about them and how it is used and shared; The right to delete personal information collected from them (with some exceptions); The right to opt-out of the sale of their personal information; and The right to non-discrimination for exercising their CCPA rights. For more information, click on the link below:

California Consumer Privacy Act.


Future Research

Once all direct identifiers (e.g., name, address, contact information) are removed, the de-identified data could be used for future research studies or distributed to other investigators for future research studies without additional informed consent from you or your legally authorized representative.


Study Contacts

Any questions you have concerning the research study or your participation in the study, before or after your informed consent, will be answered by Marina James at mjames95@my.gcu.edu; (267) 982-4444.

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu; (602) 639-7804.


Voluntary Consent

Participant Rights

- You have been given an opportunity to read and discuss the informed consent and ask questions about this study.
- You have been given enough time to consider whether or not you want to participate.
- You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
- You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participation at any time without penalty.

Confidentiality Statement

Because this study involves confidential interactions, including video-recorded interviews and signed consent, your information will be treated as confidential. Only the researcher and authorized reviewers (e.g., dissertation chair, committee, IRB) will have access to the data, which will be stored securely and de-identified in reports.

Your signature means that you understand your rights listed above and agree to participate in this study.

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* 1. Please add your signature here: (type first and last names).

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* 2. Please enter the date:

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