Sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims:The objective of this study is to describe and understand the experiences of sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity (MO) who are in a bariatric surgery program.Background: Morbid obesity is a chronic, metabolic disease that affects women's physical, psychological and sexual health. MO is associated with anxiety, depression and body image disorders. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for weight loss in people with MO.Design: A qualitative descriptive study research design was adopted.Methods: Twenty-one heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program were recruited through purposive sampling. Data collection included individual semistructured interviews conducted between November 2018 and May 2019. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a computer-assisted qualitative data.Findings: Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) trapped in a body that limits my sexuality; (2) between neglect and hope and (3) the partner as a source of support for sexuality in women with MO. Conclusion:Women hide a body that they do not accept and ignore their own sexuality, focusing on that of their partner. Although the women have doubts about their partners' desire for them, they share the decision-making process with them whilst waiting for bariatric surgery, on which they place all of their hopes for improved sexuality and quality of life. Impact:The findings highlight the importance of exploring the experiences and sexual issues faced by heterosexual women with MO in a bariatric surgery program. Bariatric nurses have a privileged position to assess these women's sexuality, recommend alternatives to sexual intercourse or refer them to sexologists. As part of the multidisciplinary team, nurses can contribute to managing the expectations of women with MO and their partners in relation to the improvement of their sex lives following bariatric surgery.

Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study

“…Our results contrast with the study by Abdelsamea et al (2023), who associate weight loss with psychological and quality of life improvements, but not with improvements in female sexual dysfunction [ 40 ]. Consistent with our findings, weight reduction after surgery boosts confidence and self-esteem, thereby improving social interactions [ 29 , 41 ]. In line with the study by Wingfield et al (2016), two years after bariatric surgery, the patients rediscover themselves and seem to regain lost hope [ 42 ].…”

“…Studies such as that of Mento et al [ 28 ] recommend further research on self-concept and body image before and after bariatric surgery. In addition to epidemiological, nutritional, diagnostic or therapeutic studies, there is a need to understand morbidly obese heterosexual women’s experiences regarding their body image and sexuality after bariatric surgery [ 19 , 29 ]. While the relationship between body image and sexual function has been examined in epidemiological or intervention studies, qualitative studies where women describe their own experiences are scarce [ 19 ].…”

“…While the relationship between body image and sexual function has been examined in epidemiological or intervention studies, qualitative studies where women describe their own experiences are scarce [ 19 ]. Some studies have explored men’s and women’s experiences of MO prior to bariatric surgery [ 29 , 30 ], but such experiences after surgery remain to be studied. Understanding these experiences could better prepare women for the life changes that follow bariatric surgery [ 31 ].…”

La sessualità dell'assistito sottoposto a chirurgia bariatrica: revisione della letteratura

“…La letteratura ha messo in evidenzia come la depressione e l'ansia correlata a punteggi di FSFI, hanno avuto un miglioramento dopo la chirurgia bariatrica (49) (50), nonché una maggiore soddisfazione sessuale, confort del paziente e autostima (49). L'approccio infermieristico nella valutazione della sfera della sessualità nei pazienti sottoposti a chirurgia bariatrica è stato affrontato dagli studi qualitativi di Molina J G et al (55,56). È emerso come molti infermieri hanno difficoltà a prestare assistenza nell'area della sessualità e non affrontano le preoccupazioni di tipo sessuale se non è l'assistito a porre domande, ma che numerosi utenti di servizi sanitari desiderano che siano gli infermieri a iniziare a parlare della sessualità.…”

A lifelong struggle for a lighter tomorrow: A qualitative study on experiences of obesity in primary healthcare patients

“…Furthermore, persons with obesity often blame themselves for their situation, experience feelings of guilt and shame, and feel less worthy than others (Ueland et al, 2019 ). Obesity can also be an impediment to sexuality, the body being an obstacle both physically and mentally (Granero‐Molina et al, 2020 ; Granero‐Molina et al, 2021 ). Persons with obesity regularly face various forms of weight stigma and discrimination (Rubino et al, 2020 ).…”