Body image of women with type I obesity after 2–5 years of subtotal gastrectomy vertical

Body image is a multidimensional, dynamic and socially influenced construct. The aim of this research was to analyze the experiences associated to body image in women with obesity type I after two–five years undergoing bariatric surgery. In this qualitative-descriptive study were included 20 women (21–49 years old) with obesity type I, 13 of them with regaining weight. Data were obtained through semi-structured interview and was analyzed based on six categories: Emotions associated with body, body satisfaction and like/dislike with body parts, avoidance of daily activities because of the body figure, discomfort with the own body with the opposite sex/general people, comparison with other women considering the body figure, and perception associated to the minimum weight. Regarding the patients who did not regain weight, they have a positive emotionality and general satisfaction with their body image. As a general conclusion, an increase in body satisfaction was identified, due to the decrease in body volume. However, the dissatisfaction persists, moving to specific areas and aspects of the body. Therefore, it is confirmed that body weight reduction does not necessarily predict the reduction of body dissatisfaction.