Table 2.

Themes, subthemes y units of meaning

Themes	Subthemes	Units of meaning
1.“Escaping a cruel environment”: weight loss to increase self-esteem	1.1 I love myself now	Reasons for the operation, changes, life changes, physique, self-esteem, negative body image
	1.2 Body image and social relationships: a vicious circle	Insecurity, idealisation of society, flattery, cruel environment, social relationships, new activities
2. “Now, I am truly me”: accepting my body to reclaim my sexuality	2.1 The body as the focal point of sexuality	Physique, clothing, lingerie, lights on, reduced mobility, self-esteem, embarrassment, new positions, nudity, self-care
	2.2 When regaining your sex drive reignites your sex life and relationship.	Changes in sex, attraction to others, orgasm, pleasurable sexual relations, new activities, sex drive, initiative, confidence