Publication year: 2011
Source: Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 26 August 2011
Patricia, Drew
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…
Highlights: ► This study explores widespread discursive depictions of obesity surgery and patients’ reactions to these depictions in the USA. ► Obesity surgery is frequently cast as (1) medically risky, (2) extravagant and (3) an overly easy escape from obesity. ► Patients’ personal experiences, interactions and education help shape their responses to stigma. ► Results reveal the importance of perceived expert insider status in managing obesity surgery stigma.