Occupational consequences of weight loss surgery: A personal reflection

Abstract

There has been an increase in weight loss surgery undertaken to address the ill health associated with obesity. In this article, I reflect on the occupational consequences of weight loss surgery 12 months after a gastric bypass. A 6 week diary was kept around the anniversary of the surgery and items of occupational change recorded. Analysis identified three types of changes related to occupational capacity, patterns of occupation and interactions with others. There is recognition of both positive and negative aspects to losses and gains, and changes in occupational choice and identity.