Dis-appearance and dys-appearance anew: living with excess skin and intestinal changes following weight loss surgery

Abstract

The aim of this article is to explore bodily changes following weight loss surgery. Our empirical material is based on individual interviews with 22 Norwegian women. To further analyze their experiences, we build primarily on the phenomenologist Drew Leder`s distinction between bodily dis-appearance and dys-appearance. Additionally, our analysis is inspired by Simone de Beauvoir, Merleau-Ponty and Julia Kristeva. Although these scholars have not directed their attention to obesity operations, they occupy a prime framework for shedding light on different dimensions of bodily change. In doing so, we were able to identify two main themes: The felt "inner" body versus the visible "surface" body and the "old" body versus the "new" body. In different, though interconnected ways, these main themes encompass tensions between changes the women experienced as contributing to a more "normal" and active life, feeling more accepted, and changes that generated ambivalence. In particular, their skin became increasingly problematic because it did not "shrink" like the rest of the body. On the contrary, it became looser and looser. Moreover, badsmelling folds of skin that wobbled, sweated and chafed at the smallest movement, aprons of fat hanging in front of their stomachs, batwing arms, thick flabby thighs and sagging breasts were described as a huge contrast to the positive response they received to their changed body shape when they were out and about with their clothes on. At the same time, they expressed ambivalence with regards to removing the excess skin by means of plastic surgery. Through their own and other women`s experiences they learned removing the excess skin by means of surgery could be a double-edged sword. By illuminating the experiences of the ones undergoing such changes our article offers new insight in a scholarly debate predominated by medical research documenting the positive outcomes of weight loss surgery.

Changing Bodies, Changing Habits: Women's Experiences of Interval Training Following Gastric Bypass Surgery

“…During the follow-up interviews, I asked the women to elaborate on their experience with "lifestyle changes," including physical activities and dietary habits. In a previous article, my coauthors and I have elaborated on women's experiences with food and dietary changes following surgery (Groven, Engelsrud, & Råheim, 2012). In the present article, we will investigate how women experience training and movement after surgery.…”

“…By simultaneously limiting the amount the patient can eat and restricting food absorption after ingestion, this procedure results in more rapid and dramatic weight loss than other bariatric procedures (Burgmer et al, 2005;Ferraro, 2004;Fisher & Schauer, 2002). Unfortunately, gastric bypass surgery is also associated with serious side effects, including malnutrition, and leads to a variety of intestinal and digestive problems Engström & Forsberg, 2012;Groven, Råheim, & Engelsrud, 2012;Maggard et al, 2005).…”

Patients’ daily life experiences five years after gastric bypass surgery – a qualitative study

“…, , Groven et al . , ). These studies describe positive consequences but also physical, social and emotional challenges during the first few years after surgery.…”

Totally Changed, Yet Still the Same

“…It was suggested that the BS patients' ability to cope with tension might have a strong impact on the long-term result. Groven, Råheim, and Engelsrud (2012) reported that surplus skin and scars after BS are serious and problematic consequences for women who have undergone BS, which create discomfort and ambivalence. The discomfort is related to the unaesthetic, impractical, and badsmelling skin folds, and the excess skin is experienced as a constant reminder of the large body.…”