WOMEN WHO HAVE UNDERGONE BARIATRIC SURGERY PERCEIVE THEIR BODIES AND EXCESS SKIN.

Vollständiger Abstract

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Obesity is a significant public health problem associated not only with physical comorbidities but also with psychosocial impacts such as low self-esteem, social stigma, and body image dissatisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the influence of excess skin on body perception in women undergoing bariatric surgery. This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study with a qualitative and exploratory approach, conducted through semi-structured interviews with eight women who underwent bariatric surgery and presented with excess skin after weight loss. Participants were recruited from a private clinic in Goiânia/GO, and the data were analyzed according to Grounded Theory. The results revealed two main categories: 1) From the experience of obesity to the decision for bariatric surgery and 2) Experiences and meanings of the body and excess skin after bariatric surgery. The interviewees reported a prolonged history of obesity, frequent experiences of prejudice and suffering, as well as multiple failed attempts at weight loss before surgery. Excess skin was identified as a significant factor in insecurity, shame, and body dissatisfaction, impacting emotional, social, and affective aspects, as well as the relationship with one's own image. Bariatric surgery has physical, emotional, and social impacts on body perception. Despite the suffering related to excess skin, participants reported greater body satisfaction after surgery, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary follow-up and access to reconstructive surgeries.