Body shape expectations and self-ideal body shape discrepancy in women seeking bariatric surgery: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Postoperative body shape expectations (BSE) of bariatric surgery candidates remain relatively unexplored, and may have important implications for weight loss outcomes, treatment satisfaction, and education. METHODS The 'Silhouette Figure Rating Scale' was administered to 69 consecutive female candidates. Self-perceived current and goal body shape and postoperative BSE in four categories; "dream, "happy", "acceptable", and "disappointed" were examined. RESULTS The mean age and BMI of the sample was 43.4 ± 8.9 years and 48.8 ± 7.0 kg/m(2). Self-ideal body shape discrepancy of 4.1 ± 1.3 silhouettes was reported, indicating body image dissatisfaction. 53% incorrectly identified the silhouette associated with their actual BMI. Goal body shape (4.3 ± 0.8 silhouettes) corresponded to a BMI figure 23.1 kg/m(2)- 26.2 kg/m(2). The postoperative "dream" (4.1 ± 1.0 silhouettes), "happy" (5.0 ± 0.8 silhouettes), "acceptable" (5.3 ± 1.0 silhouettes), and "disappointed" (6.9 ± 1.0 silhouettes) BSE corresponded to silhouettes that were thinner than the thinnest silhouette clinically expected based on a 56.1% excess weight loss 1-year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) or a 22.3% to 47.2% total body weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Women seeking bariatric surgery experience body image dissatisfaction and misperceive their actual body size. BSE do not correspond with evidence-based LSG weight loss outcomes.