Becoming anormalguy: Men making sense of long-term bodily changes following bariatric surgery

Abstract

BackgroundTo date, research on bodily changes following bariatric surgery has focused predominantly on women, leaving the long-term experience of men relatively unexplored. In this paper, we draw on interviews with men who have undergone an irreversible gastric bypass procedure to explore their bodily changes more than 4 years post-surgery. We apply a phenomenological framework that draws on Leder's perspectives on the “disappearing” and “dys-appearing” body, combined with a gender-sensitive lens that draws on Connell's theory of hegemonic masculinity and Robertson's conceptions of embodied masculinity.FindingsOur principal finding was that the men negotiated their bodily changes following bariatric surgery in profoundly ambivalent ways. Although they enthusiastically praised the surgery for improving their health, self-esteem, and social functioning, they also emphasized their efforts to cope with post-surgical side effects and life-threatening complications. Our analysis elaborates on their efforts to adjust to and come to terms with these changes, focusing on episodes of hypoglycemia, severe pain and internal herniation, and the significance of physical activity and exercise.ConclusionsOur findings point to the need to acknowledge men's ways of making sense of profound and ongoing bodily changes following bariatric surgery and how these negotiations are closely intertwined with masculine ideals of embodiment and social value.

Aspects of well-being when struggling with obesity

“…However, some phenomenological studies highlighting efforts to maintain weight loss are relevant to our study. These have reflected upon how people strive for balance, identity and meaning in life, within their challenges of maintaining long-term weight loss (Groven, Galdas, & Solbraekke, 2015;Groven, Råheim, & Natvik, 2017;Natvik, Gjengedal, Moltu, & Råheim, 2015;Toft & Uhrenfeldt, 2015;Warholm, Øien, & Råheim, 2014). We see this striving as a parallel to people's struggle to handle a challenging life when living with obesity.…”

Moral Biocitizenship: Discursively Managing Food and the Body after Bariatric Surgery

“…Overall, however, literature exploring men's lived experiences of surgically induced weight loss and dietary restriction management remains woefully lacking (for exceptions, see Groven, Galdas, and Solbraekke 2015;Moore and Cooper 2016;Moore, Brooks, and King 2016;Natvik et al 2015). In this context, the narratives of the men described in this paper add an important layer to what is already known, as they are overwhelmingly stories of choice, agency, control, and responsibility.…”

“…, ; Knutsen, Terragni, and Foss ; Ogden, Clementi, and Aylwin ). Coping with post‐surgical complications and new self‐identity after weight loss takes significant time and energy over the long term (Groven, Galdas, and Solbrække ). One of the most detailed ethnographic studies of post‐surgical patients (in Norway) concluded that men still struggled to negotiate their new bodies and the effects of surgery five years afterward (Natvik et al.…”

“…Overall, however, literature exploring men's lived experiences of surgically induced weight loss and dietary restriction management remains woefully lacking (for exceptions, see Groven, Galdas, and Solbrække ; Moore and Cooper ; Moore, Brooks, and King ; Natvik et al. ).…”

“…Various scholars have identified the difficulties in conforming to the lifestyle changes bariatric surgery demands, especially around eating (e.g., Dymek et al 2002;Groven 2014;Groven et al 2012Groven et al , 2010Knutsen, Terragni, and Foss 2013;Ogden, Clementi, and Aylwin 2006). Coping with postsurgical complications and new self-identity after weight loss takes significant time and energy over the long term (Groven, Galdas, and Solbraekke 2015). One of the most detailed ethnographic studies of post-surgical patients (in Norway) concluded that men still struggled to negotiate their new bodies and the effects of surgery five years afterward (Natvik et al 2015).…”