Female Sexual Quality of Life after Bariatric Surgery Background Approximately half of all bariatric procedures are performed on women of reproductive age. Studies have examined the impact of surgery on future pregnancies, but less attention has been paid to fertility and sexual function in women after bariatric surgery. Methods Participants were recruited preoperatively from Tier 4 (hospital) obesity services for a prospective cohort study of women of reproductive age (18-45 years) undergoing

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... ariatric surgery. Participants completed a sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-f) questionnaire pre-operatively, then 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. SQOL-f can be completed regardless of sexual orientation or relationship status. Total scores are expressed as a percentage; the higher the percentage the better the SQOL. Questionnaire findings were analysed and interpreted in the wider context of health. Results To date, 22 women have baseline and 3 month data. Body mass index decreased from 46±7.9 kg/m2 before surgery to 37±6.8 kg/m2 3 months post. All women experienced weight loss by 3-months. The mean SQOL score at baseline was 43±29%, at 3 months post-operatively it had changed to 50±30%. Degree of weight loss did not correlate with changes in score. In two women (9%) SQOL-f decreased (suggesting adverse effect on SQOL); n=9 (41%) were unchanged and n=11 (50%) showed improvement in SQOL. Women were invited to add comments if they wished and based on these there appears to be a conflict between increased overall confidence and women adjusting to their new body image. Conclusion Data collection and analysis is ongoing but early data suggests improvement in sexual function in approximately half of women of reproductive age three-months post-surgery. Whether this benefit persists and translates into fertility outcomes requires further study. There appears to be a mismatch between overall confidence and body image; further analysis will investigate which of these constructs dominate as the interval fr [...]