Bariatric patients’ experience of loose skin
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A qualitative study investigating individual's experience of loose skin after bariatric surgery.
IRAS ID
203064
Contact name
Sophie Little
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 4 days
Research summary
Due to the significant rise in the percentage of the population who are now obese and morbidly obese, the number of bariatric procedures performed annually within the UK has increased dramatically in an attempt to tackle the obesity crisis, reduce long-term obesity related health care costs on the NHS and decrease socio-economic burden. Bariatric surgery is considered the most effective way to facilitate weight loss for obese/morbidly obese individuals, and is associated with significant improvements in the prevalence and control of obesity related health problems. However, due to the rapid and substantial nature of weight loss following bariatric surgery the vast majority of patients will be left with the undesirable consequence of excess skin. Body contouring surgery to remove excess skin is rarely approved by the NHS despite excess skin being associated with a number of functional issues, and physical and psychological health problems.
Satisfaction, weight loss success and subsequent desire for body contouring surgery among bariatric patients varies. The research exploring this area is lacking. Understanding the reasons underlying these differences could help create successful interventions before and after surgery to increase satisfaction, prevent weight regain and decrease desire for body contouring surgery, which is essential as the majority of bariatric patients will not be approved for body contouring surgery by the NHS.
This study will involve conducting qualitative interviews with 12-15 bariatric surgery patients, for approximately 45 minutes, who have lost a substantial amount of weight resulting in excess skin formation. The interviews will be conducted within the NHS specialist weight management service department (Rosehill Annexe - Foresterhill).
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0202
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion