Exploring adults’ lived experiences following weight loss and related surgery

Purpose: Body contouring surgery is a procedure that removes excess skin after weight loss. Studies indicate mixed findings on psychological outcomes, with some reporting enhanced psychological well-being, and others reporting adjustment difficulties. This systematic review aims to synthesise qualitative research on experiences after weight loss and body contouring surgery. Methods: Meta-ethnography was used to synthesise studies. A systematic search was conducted using OVID Interface (MEDLINE and EMBASE) and EBSCO (CINAHL and PsychINFO). Included studies were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme UK (CASP) Qualitative Studies Checklist. Results: Eight studies were included. Five key themes were developed, which were split between two phases: post weight loss and pre body contouring, and post body contouring. Phase One encompassed two themes: ‘Desire to be “better than what I am now”’ and “I existed; I wasn’t living”. Phase Two themes were: “Better, but not good enough”; “A new powerful self”; and “Some things are no different”. Conclusions: The impact of body contouring is complex. Results highlight the importance of managing expectations of surgery and the need for psychological support post-surgery