Introduction: Being obese has a significant impact on quality of life limiting physical, life and professional activity, causing lack of acceptance from the environment and a disturbing self-esteem. The main aim of this study is to identify which factors contribute to changes of self-esteem and satisfaction of female patients' body image perception, as well as their correlation during the various stages of bariatric therapy.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 438 bariatric female patients and a control group consisted of 127 females with reference body weight and BMI. Parametric data was collected in all the subgroups; anthropometric measurements and subjective assessment of body image were checked depending on the stage of bariatric treatment.

Results: The body image and self-esteem of bariatric patients is changing according the stage of bariatric treatment. At the beginning of the bariatric pathway, patients are characterized by a negative body image and low self-esteem. Women undergoing contour lifting surgery got the highest score, even higher than women from the control group. The lowest scores are in the group entering the therapy and 24 hours after surgery. A more favourable body image and a higher self-esteem were presented by patients with higher education and a better financial situation.

Conclusion: For female bariatric patients the body image and self-esteem scores are higher with the consecutive stages of treatment. A more favourable body image and higher self-esteem is demonstrated with patients having a higher education and a better financial situation.