Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

4-11-2016

Graduate Advisor

Anne F. Fish, PhD, RN, FAHA

Committee

Kimberly Allen

Wilma J. Calvert

Kuei-Hsiang Hsueh

J. Christopher Eagon

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore body image and anthropometric (body mass index) measurements in bariatric surgery patients over three months. Conceptual framework: The dimensions of body image are body attitude, Appearance Evaluation, body checking, body space, body size, and Appearance Orientation. Body attitude is affective distress related to one’s weight, shape, size, and fatness. Appearance Evaluation is feelings of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with one’s looks. Body checking is the repeated scrutiny of one’s body size, shape, and weight. Perceived body space is the amount of space individuals perceive their bodies to occupy. Perceived body size is body size estimation, measured using silhouettes. Appearance Orientation is self-focus on one’s appearance or grooming. Method: A one group pretest-posttest design was used to study 67 adults before and three months after bariatric surgery. The overall sample included these surgeries: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB; n=35), sleeve gastrectomy (SG; n=28), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB; n=4). Six self-report body image measures and anthropometric measures (BMI, percent estimated BMI loss-%EBMIL) were analyzed. Differences in outcomes over three months were examined for the overall sample and within the two surgery groups (RYGB and SG). Differences between the two surgeries were also examined. Comparisons with the LAGB were not made, given the small number of these surgeries. Results: Significant (p<.001) improvements were found in four of six body image measures and in BMI over 3 months for the overall sample and within the two surgery groups. No significant differences were found in body image or BMI between surgery groups. %EBMI loss was 32.8% for the overall sample. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine body image in bariatric surgery patients at 3 months. Changes in body image and anthropometric measures were clinically significant. Body image outcomes not just BMI should be measured at bariatric surgery patients’ clinical appointments.

OCLC Number

946614537

Included in

Nursing Commons

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