Changes in Desired Body Shape After Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Bariatric surgery frequently leads to rapid weight loss post-surgery that may impact participants' ability to gauge a realistic ideal body shape. In the present study, 57 obese participants' perception of their current and ideal body shape pre and post gastric bypass surgery were assessed. Results indicate prior to surgery, participants reported a 4 point difference between current and desired body shape. One year post surgery, as their own body shape decreased, so did the size of their ideal body shape (4.1–3.3). These findings suggest a consequence of rapid weight loss may suggest to participants that unrealistic body shapes are attainable. Implications for patient counseling are discussed.