This article aims to encompass a study of function and body image of women who underwent bariatric surgery. Thus, were conducted a qualitative study based on the methodology of content analysis. It has been found from interviews with 20 patients from a specialized Public Health System Service from the city of Juiz de Fora / Minas Gerais, with mean age of 40 years old, who underwent surgery for 2.85 years and with mean weight loss of 74.1 kg, the intrinsic relationship between function and body image. This were expressed by the changes after weight loss, which were emerged in the following categories: recovery of bodily functions, autonomy to resume old roles (such as perform duties like housekeeping, work or face the same relationships in different ways), and risking new experiences. So, the research group began to experience feelings of satisfaction and positive self-esteem, not so far experienced.
Obesity; bariatric surgery; body image
