Factors Associated with Excess Skin After Bariatric Surgery: a Mixed-Method Study

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
• Body Image Research
• Patient Quality of Life

Background:

• Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) often results in excess skin (ES), impacting patient well-being and daily life.
• Understanding the factors contributing to ES quantity and associated inconveniences is vital for developing targeted interventions post-MBS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sociodemographic, physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors associated with excess skin quantity and inconveniences following MBS.
• To explore the relationship between measured excess skin and patient-reported inconveniences.

Main Methods:

• A sequential explanatory mixed-method study involving 124 adult patients post-MBS.
• Quantitative assessment of excess skin quantity and inconveniences, alongside sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, and behavioral data.
• Qualitative phase using 7 focus groups (37 participants) to explore patient experiences in-depth.

Main Results:

• Excess skin quantity on arms correlated with arm inconveniences (r=.36, p<.01).
• Total excess skin quantity was associated with pre-MBS and current BMI (r=.48, p<.05; r=.35, p<.05).
• Higher social physique anxiety and age were linked to greater excess skin inconveniences (R²=.50, p<.01).

Conclusions:

• Measured excess skin quantity correlates with higher BMI, but not directly with reported inconveniences.
• Greater self-reported excess skin quantity and inconveniences are associated with body image concerns.