Exploring the Experiences of Women Who Develop Restrictive Eating Behaviours After Bariatric Surgery

This study aimed to explore the experiences of women who had developed excessively restrictive eating behaviours following bariatric surgery.MethodFive female participants, who were at least nine months post-bariatric surgery and exhibiting restrictive eating behaviours, were recruited from Bariatric Surgery Psychology Services and asked to complete qualitative face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).ResultsThree super-ordinate themes emerged: (1) experiences of weight stigma and weight history on self, (2) the impact of loose skin, (3) thoughts about food and disordered eating patterns. These captured the impact of past weight-related experiences —including weight stigma, intense fears of weight gain, negative cognitions about the self, the impact of excess skin, changes in the way the women thought about food and restrictive eating behaviours.DiscussionThis study is one of the first to specifically explore restrictive eating disorders after bariatric surgery using a qualitative approach. The findings of this study may offer helpful aspects for professionals to hold in mind when identifying individuals with problematic restrictive eating behaviours following bariatric surgery. Body contouring surgery, internalised weight bias and weight stigma are explored in relation to the post-bariatric surgery treatment pathway. The current diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa are discussed to highlight di...
Source: Obesity Surgery - Category: Surgery Source Type: research