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“But Then I Learned…”: Weight loss surgery patients negotiate surgery discourses

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  • Drew, Patricia

Abstract

This research explores commonplace discursive depictions of obesity surgery and individual patients’ reactions to these depictions. Data come from a content analysis of weight loss surgery representations in periodical articles (n = 32) and open-ended surveys (n = 55) and interviews (n = 44) with surgery patients from 34 US states. This study reveals that mainstream periodicals frequently stigmatized patients as obesity surgery is cast as (1) medically risky, (2) extravagant and (3) an overly easy escape from obesity. Surgery is only portrayed as (4) acceptable when multiple other weight loss techniques had been tried unsuccessfully. In contrast, interview and survey data show individual patients are aware of, yet frequently refute, these surgical stigmas. Findings demonstrate the importance of weight loss surgery patients’ personal experiences, interactions and education in shaping their responses to stigma. Patients view themselves as expert insiders who negotiate dominant discourses and, consequently, assert that surgery and surgery patients are ethical. Research results reveal the importance of perceived expert insider status and interpretive practice in managing obesity surgery stigma.

Suggested Citation

  • Drew, Patricia, 2011. "“But Then I Learned…”: Weight loss surgery patients negotiate surgery discourses," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(8), pages 1230-1237.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:73:y:2011:i:8:p:1230-1237
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.07.023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Salant, Talya & Santry, Heena P., 2006. "Internet marketing of bariatric surgery: Contemporary trends in the medicalization of obesity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(10), pages 2445-2457, May.
    2. Throsby, Karen, 2007. ""How could you let yourself get like that?": Stories of the origins of obesity in accounts of weight loss surgery," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 65(8), pages 1561-1571, October.
    3. Puhl, R.M. & Heuer, C.A., 2010. "Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(6), pages 1019-1028.
    4. Wilkinson, Sue & Kitzinger, Celia, 2000. "Thinking differently about thinking positive: a discursive approach to cancer patients' talk," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 50(6), pages 797-811, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Barlösius, Eva & Philipps, Axel, 2015. "Felt stigma and obesity: Introducing the generalized other," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 9-15.

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