The Effectiveness of a Preoperative Lifestyle-Based Weight Loss Program on Postoperative Outcomes in Bariatric Patients: A Secondary Data Analysis

To assess the effectiveness of a program to implement long-term diet, lifestyle, and behavioral changes in bariatric surgery patients. Sixteen subjects (age = 45.9 ± 11.5 years; BMI = 46.1 ± 8.3 kg/m2) participated in a comprehensive 36-week lifestyle-based program to promote weight loss before and after bariatric surgery. During the preoperative phase, baseline data on body measurements, food frequency, meal patterns and timings, miscellaneous lifestyle habits, and perceived level of self-efficacy regarding eating behaviors were collected, after which subjects underwent an intensive 24-week lifestyle program. At the end of the intervention, the same outcomes were assessed again before surgery was performed. Following surgery, the subjects completed the same program for 12 weeks, with additional data (as above) being collected at the beginning and at the end of the 12 weeks. Intra- and inter-phase comparative analyses were conducted on body measurements (weight, BMI, and waist circumference) and lifestyle habits (changes in food frequency, meal patterns and timings, miscellaneous lifestyle habits, and perceived level of self-efficacy) using Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. There was a statistically significant reduction in both preoperative (P = 0.016) and postoperative weight (P = 0.003). A reduction in waist circumference was also observed post-surgery (P = 0.027). Overall, participants lost an average of 28% of their baseline body weight (P < 0.000) and 19% of their baseline waist circumference (P < 0.000). Over the course of the program, there was a significant improvement in some diet and lifestyle-related habits, such as decreased fast-food consumption and screen time (P = 0.004 and 0.047, respectively). Self-monitoring and overall self-efficacy also improved by the end of the program (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003, respectively). The present findings indicate that a comprehensive lifestyle-based weight loss program is beneficial for further reduction in weight and waist circumference among bariatric patients. Additionally, this program facilitated significant improvements in diet and lifestyle-related factors, as well as self-monitoring and perceived self-efficacy. This study was funded by Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.