Sage, Danielle Ann

A mixed-methods' approach was designed to explore the marital impacts

following weight-loss surgery (WLS). In Phase 1, ten individual interviews with spouses

of five couples were conducted; two of the couples had the wives preparing for WLS, two

of the couples consisted of wives who had WLS, and one couple had both received the

surgery. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a combination of interpretive

phenomenological and grounded theory techniques. Findings demonstrated that WLS

does have impacts on marriage regardless of where couples are in their journey. All

couples discussed food as a possible source of conflict in their relationship. Interviews

also reveled that self-esteem is a major factor contributing to their relationship and

support is necessary throughout. In Phase 2 an online survey was developed to

quantitatively explore the important constructs deemed important from the participants in

Phase 1. Relationships between relationship satisfaction, sexual conflict, self-esteem,

depression and body image were examined in 54 participants. Results demonstrate that

higher levels of support and self-esteem and lower sexual conflict relate to a more

satisfactory relationship in individuals post- WLS.

Author Keywords: marital satsifaction, mixed-methods, qualitative, relationship satisfaction, weight-loss, Weight-loss surgery