Work

Between hope and weight: Psychological experiences of women with obesity facing preoperative weight-loss requirements for breast reconstruction—A qualitative thematic analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This qualitative study explored the psychological experiences of Dutch women with obesity who were required to lose weight before delayed breast-reconstruction following mastectomy. Fourteen Dutch women participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three interconnected themes emerged: coping with stress, interpersonal and healthcare experiences, and the interplay between coping and interpersonal experiences. Women who described trusting and supportive interactions generally reported greater self-efficacy, more effective stress management, and more constructive communication with healthcare professionals. In contrast, women reporting interpersonal difficulties often described challenges with emotion regulation, long-standing weight-management struggles and coping with delayed reconstruction. Across participants, BMI-based eligibility criteria were experienced as a major psychosocial stressor. These findings suggest that preoperative weight-loss requirements may have substantial psychological consequences for women awaiting breast reconstruction. Personalized psychosocial support and sensitive physician communication may strengthen coping capacities, particularly among women experiencing stress-regulation difficulties and interpersonal challenges.

Source: Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1177/13591053261479956

Authors: Iris L. Holt-Kedde, Ceciel H. C. Houtsma, Maya J. Schroevers, Marlous Arjaans, Grieteke Pool

Institutions: University of Groningen, OLVG

Language: English

Topic: Breast Implant and Reconstruction

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650