Cambios en la signifi cación de su propio cuerpo en mujeres adultas obesas que se han sometido a cirugías bariátricas

Abstract

This paper explores how young obese women view their own body's change after undergoing bariatric surgery. As a qualitative study, the effort draws upon personal interviews which were analyzed according to the concepts of the selected theoretical framework. The sample consisted of four female interviewees between the ages of 18 and 35. The results of the study indicate that following surgery women experience not only physical changes, but also changes in their personal understanding of their bodies. In addition to these changes, there was an increase in self-care behaviors, an improvement in the relationship between the body and social environment, as well as a rise in self- esteem. This paper concludes that bariatric surgery contributes to the unifi cation of a previously fragmented perception of mind and body. In addition, it shows that the presence of psychological therapy during the post operational period is valued by the interviewees and seen as a way to prevent future ruptures in the psycho-soma integration.