Tamara O Perdue1, Ann Schreier2, Melvin Swanson2, Janice Neil2, Robert Carels3. 1. Metabolic Surgery Research Group, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. 2. College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. 3. Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina.
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of postoperative bariatric surgery patients as they adjust to diminished weight and differentiate that adjustment from the more general concept of body image. BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective way to reduce weight and comorbidities associated with obesity. Complete success requires that patients must adjust psychologically as they lose weight. If this does not occur, bariatric patients may experience a "mind-body lag," in which the patient's internal body image lags behind the external changes. Hermans' Dialogical Self Theory of "I-positions" is a foundation with which to understand this problem. DESIGN: Descriptive correlational study of postoperative bariatric patients explored the concept of "I-obese" and "I-ex-obese" in an effort to quantify previous qualitative findings and develop a survey questionnaire. METHODS: Bariatric patients (N = 55) between 18-30 months postoperative completed one-hour interviews. Cluster analysis and chi-squared analysis compared mean scores and explored the prevalence of "I-positions" and body image concerns in the participants. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of the survey data identified participants as falling into either "I-obese," "I-ex-obese" or "mixed I-obese" categories. There were significantly higher body image concerns in the "I-obese" participants than those identified as "I-ex-obese." The majority of female participants reported high body image concerns. There was no significant association with weight loss percentage. CONCLUSION: This research establishes a connection in this study sample of women who experience body image concerns and prolonged "I-obese" identification 18-30 months after their bariatric surgery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To date, the primary measure of bariatric surgery success has focused almost exclusively on the amount of weight loss. Implementing psychological as well as physiological care, however, may be the key to full recovery and long-term success. Practitioners can use this new information to plan effective pre- and postoperative psychological preparation and support.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the experience of postoperative bariatric surgery patients as they adjust to diminished weight and differentiate that adjustment from the more general concept of body image. BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective way to reduce weight and comorbidities associated with obesity. Complete success requires that patients must adjust psychologically as they lose weight. If this does not occur, bariatric patients may experience a "mind-body lag," in which the patient's internal body image lags behind the external changes. Hermans' Dialogical Self Theory of "I-positions" is a foundation with which to understand this problem. DESIGN: Descriptive correlational study of postoperative bariatric patients explored the concept of "I-obese" and "I-ex-obese" in an effort to quantify previous qualitative findings and develop a survey questionnaire. METHODS: Bariatric patients (N = 55) between 18-30 months postoperative completed one-hour interviews. Cluster analysis and chi-squared analysis compared mean scores and explored the prevalence of "I-positions" and body image concerns in the participants. RESULTS: Cluster analysis of the survey data identified participants as falling into either "I-obese," "I-ex-obese" or "mixed I-obese" categories. There were significantly higher body image concerns in the "I-obese" participants than those identified as "I-ex-obese." The majority of female participants reported high body image concerns. There was no significant association with weight loss percentage. CONCLUSION: This research establishes a connection in this study sample of women who experience body image concerns and prolonged "I-obese" identification 18-30 months after their bariatric surgery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To date, the primary measure of bariatric surgery success has focused almost exclusively on the amount of weight loss. Implementing psychological as well as physiological care, however, may be the key to full recovery and long-term success. Practitioners can use this new information to plan effective pre- and postoperative psychological preparation and support.
Authors: Carmela Mento; Maria Catena Silvestri; Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello; Amelia Rizzo; Laura Celebre; Clemente Cedro; Rocco Antonio Zoccali; Giuseppe Navarra; Antonio Bruno Journal: Eat Weight Disord Date: 2021-07-20 Impact factor: 4.652
Authors: Débora Godoy-Izquierdo; Raquel Lara; Adelaida Ogallar; Alejandra Rodríguez-Tadeo; María J Ramírez; Estefanía Navarrón; Félix Arbinaga Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-06-15 Impact factor: 3.390