Self-Disgust Experiences of Patients Post-Bariatric Surgery

Background: Research suggests that individuals who are obese are rated less favourably across all social groups (Wing & Jeffrey, 1999), with disgust being the strongest predictor of negative attitudes (Vartanian, 2010). Whilst some studies have explored the role of disgust in obesity, there is a distinct gap in the evidence base in relation to self-disgust and visual perspective taking, and how individual’s respond once they have transitioned out of weight-stigmatising environments. The proposed study aims to address this gap by using visual imagery to explore how individuals that have had bariatric surgery may ‘see’ themselves in relation to self-disgust.

Method: The researcher interviewed eight patients (six women and two men) in an NHS Trust that had bariatric surgery and lost approximately 50% of their excess body weight.

Results: Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four key themes and ten subthemes including negative childhood experiences, societal shaming and exclusion, being revolted by their body and connecting differently to self and others.

Conclusion: The study concluded that people who are obese experience significant prejudice and discrimination in settings including employment, public spaces and healthcare. Recommendations were made to help individuals and communities via incorporating ideas of compassion in wider systems such as public health campaigns and the media.