The decision of an obese woman to have bariatric surgery: the social phenomenology

Authors

  • Deíse Moura de Oliveira Federal University of Viçosa
  • Miriam Aparecida Barbosa Merighi São Paulo University; School of Nursing
  • Maria Cristina Pinto de Jesus Federal University of Juiz de Fora

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000700002

Abstract

Objective To understand the process by which an obese woman decides to have bariatric surgery. Method A qualitative survey with a social phenomenology approach, carried out in 2012, with 12 women, using the phenomenological interview. Results A woman bases the decision to have the surgery on: the inappropriateness of her eating habits; a physical appearance that is incompatible with an appearance that is standardized by society; the social prejudice that she has to live with; the limitations imposed by obesity; and her lack of success with previous attempts to lose weight. Outcomes that she hopes for from the decision to have the surgery include: restoring her health; achieving social inclusion; and entering the labor market. Conclusion This study allows one to reflect that prescriptive actions do not give a satisfactory response to a complexity of the subjective questions involved in the decision to have surgery for obesity. For this, what is called for is a program of work based on an interdisciplinary approach, and training that gives value to the bio-psycho-social aspects involved in a decision in favor of surgical treatment.

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Published

2014-12-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Oliveira, D. M. de, Merighi, M. A. B., & Jesus, M. C. P. de. (2014). The decision of an obese woman to have bariatric surgery: the social phenomenology . Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 48(6), 970-976. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420140000700002