Body image before and after bariatric surgery: Perceptions of young-adults women

Considering the high prevalence of obesity and the lack of effective response to non-surgical treatments, bariatric surgery (BS) has been established as an increasingly frequent alternative, with implications on the physical, psychological and social level, highlighting the changes related to body image (BI). The objective of this study was to describe changes in BI expressed by young women undergoing BS. Based on a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 women between 18 and 24 years. The results were grouped in Pre-BS: body dissatisfaction as motivation, low awareness of the obesity condition, shame of the body, frustration and difficulties with dressing; and Post-BS: body satisfaction associated with self-confidence, change in peer relations, new aspects of appearance, clothing associated with identity, difficulties in adapting to a new BI, and health team as support for adaptation. It is concluded that body satisfaction is a central aspect that affects individual and social wellbeing. Post-BS begins a process of adaptation to a new body scheme, with greater body satisfaction, but with difficulties related to body perception.