Body Image After Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Body image typically improves following bariatric surgery. However, changes to body image are quite complex. Although patients are generally satisfied with the weight loss, they also experience negative body changes such as the development of excess skin. Methods: The current study used qualitative focus group research methods to gain an in‐depth understanding of changes in body image experienced by individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery. Four focus groups were held with a total of 15 participants. Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (a) the impact of the external world on body image (e.g., negative feedback, positive feedback, stereotypes); (b) cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in relation to body image (e.g., changes to body image, behavior changes in personal and social domains); and (c) coping mechanisms to mitigate the negative changes to body image (e.g., avoidance of negative body image triggers, social support, cognitive restructuring of body image). Participants reported that their body image was heavily impacted by the feedback they received from the outside world. After surgery, many changes took place to their perception of their bodies, the way the felt about their bodies, and how they behaved in relation to their bodies. Conclusions: Many positive changes occur to body image following bariatric surgery. However, negative changes also occur, most notably the development of excess skin. Patients use a variety of coping skills to mitigate the negative changes to body image. Implications of these findings for the optimal care of bariatric patients are discussed.