Bariatric surgery as prophylaxis: an emerging protection discourse

Abstract

As the medicalization of ‘‘obesity’’ has become more formalized, bariatric surgery is taking on new meaning in both medicine and society. Through repeated qualitative interviews (3 interviews every 3 to 5 months) and deploying interpretative phenomenological analysis, we examine the discourses and perceptions of patients post-bariatric surgery (n = 15). Results suggest participants’ perceive bariatric surgery not as a cure, but a tool, alleviant, prophylaxis and suppressant. The findings highlight that responsibility for a healthy future is constructed as a matter of individual responsibility and pressing concern.