Impact of bariatric surgery on body image satisfaction among patients attending King Saud medical city

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on body image among patients from King Saud medical city using unmatched case-control study among 94 pre-bariatric surgery and 94 post bariatric surgery, selected through systematic random sampling. Findings : bariatric surgery improved body image during the first year, and post-surgery patients are 5 times likely to have positive body image than pre-operative (p < 0.01). There is a need for psychological care for preoperative patients, since number of patients from pre-bariatric surgery group shown symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder. Further research is needed regarding psycho-social factors that could have an impact on body image. Novelty: This is an original research. Data was collected by body image questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS with significance level set at p < 0.05. t-test was used to compare the mean body image scores, higher the scores reflecting higher body image impairment. Verbal consent was taken from participants and the subjects' confidentiality is maintained by researchers.