Self-image after bariatric surgery and its relationship to gender, excess skin and health-related quality of life

AbstractIntroduction: There is limited knowledge about self-image in relation to excess skin after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was therefore to explore self-image after massive weight loss and its relationship to gender, weight loss, discomfort regarding excess skin and health-related quality of life.Methods: Eighteen months after obesity surgery, 131 patients filled in questionnaires about self-image (Som jag ser mig sjalv), excess skin (Sahlgrenska Excess Skin Questionnaire, SESQ) and quality of life (EQ-5D and SF-36). In addition, maximal ptosis was measured on their abdomen, arms and thighs.Results: There were no differences in self-image or quality of life between the genders.Participants who scored low discomfort on SESQ had a significantly better overall self-image, in all subscales, compared to those with high discomfort scores (p < .05). They also had a significantly higher quality of life on the EQ-5D VAS (p = .045).Correlations were low, if any, between self-image, excess skin, qua...