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The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships

Publication ,  Journal Article
Applegate, KL; Friedman, KE
Published in: Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care
June 1, 2008

Weight loss surgery (WLS) patients can encounter diverse relationship issues as they consider, undergo, and live with bariatric surgery. This article explores ways in which WLS affects romantic relationships before and after surgery, as well as provides suggestions for clinicians to assist patients to plan healthy lifestyle changes within the context of a romantic partnership. WLS issues for couples can stem from the patients' and their partners' expectations, the patients' increase in energy, their enhanced confidence, and changes in appearance. Changes in sexual intimacy and beliefs about the stability of the relationship and risk of divorce after WLS are also common concerns. Overall, research suggests that WLS patients report improvements in relationship satisfaction and weight-related sexual quality of life after surgery, while experiencing minimal disruption to their marital relationships. Finally, suggestions are made for providers working with WLS patients on their relationship issues. These suggestions pertain to communication, the importance of accurate information, recruiting support, and obtaining psychological counseling when needed. © Copyright 2008, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

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Published In

Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care

DOI

EISSN

1557-1467

ISSN

1557-1459

Publication Date

June 1, 2008

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

135 / 141

Related Subject Headings

  • 4205 Nursing
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1110 Nursing
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Applegate, K. L., & Friedman, K. E. (2008). The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care, 3(2), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.1089/bar.2008.9976
Applegate, K. L., and K. E. Friedman. “The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships.” Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care 3, no. 2 (June 1, 2008): 135–41. https://doi.org/10.1089/bar.2008.9976.
Applegate KL, Friedman KE. The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care. 2008 Jun 1;3(2):135–41.
Applegate, K. L., and K. E. Friedman. “The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships.” Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care, vol. 3, no. 2, June 2008, pp. 135–41. Scopus, doi:10.1089/bar.2008.9976.
Applegate KL, Friedman KE. The impact of weight loss surgery on romantic relationships. Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care. 2008 Jun 1;3(2):135–141.

Published In

Bariatric Nursing and Surgical Patient Care

DOI

EISSN

1557-1467

ISSN

1557-1459

Publication Date

June 1, 2008

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

135 / 141

Related Subject Headings

  • 4205 Nursing
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1110 Nursing