Abstract
IntroductionFemale patients expect improved quality of life, including sexual health and regain of fertility after bariatric surgery. Little has been published on to the extent to which patients’ expectations are met by the weight loss after surgery.AimTo explore how women perceive the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life, focusing on sexual health and fertility.MethodsA qualitative study based on thematic analysis, supported by questionnaire data. Interviews following a semistructured guide were conducted with childless women (n = 11) aged 25–34 years recruited from a university-affiliated Swedish bariatric center. The interviews took place 18 months after surgery in the participants’ homes or at the hospital and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed with a thematic approach. Questionnaires were filled in at the time of the interviews and compared with preoperative data using a Wilcoxon test for paired data.Main outcome measuresParticipants described experiences related to female sexual health after bariatric surgery. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaires were administered preoperatively and postoperatively.Results“A new beginning” was identified as the master theme, with 3 underlying subthemes: “Being worthy of love,” “Exploring sexuality,” and “Considering parenthood.” The participants described a transformation into being more comfortable with themselves that affected all areas of life, including sexual life. These findings were supported by lower scores for depression, 6.5 vs 2, and improved total Female Sexual Function Index scores, median 23.3 preoperatively and 29.1 postoperatively, P = .012.ConclusionsImproved body image and enhanced self-esteem play important roles in improved sexual functioning in women after bariatric surgery.Nilsson-Condori E, Järvholm S, Thurin-Kjellberg A, et al. A New Beginning: Young Women’s Experiences and Sexual Function 18 Months After Bariatric Surgery. Sex Med 2020;8:730–739.
Highlights
Female patients expect improved quality of life, including sexual health and regain of fertility after bariatric surgery
The prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of >30, has nearly tripled worldwide since 1975.1 In Sweden, data from 2018 show that 7% of women aged 16e29 years are obese, and the number has increased to 14% in the age group 30e44 years.[2]
There is not much literature about young women, their identity, self-image, and sexual health after bariatric surgery. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how women perceive the effects of bariatric surgery on quality of life, focusing on sexual health and fertility
Summary
Female patients expect improved quality of life, including sexual health and regain of fertility after bariatric surgery. National statistics from 2018 showed self-reported mental distress in 33% of women aged 16e29 years.[6] Bariatric surgery candidates, as well as young obese adults seeking behavioral weight reduction treatment, have been shown to have a high prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders.[7,8]
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