Feasibility and Impact of a Combined Supervised Exercise and Nutritional-Behavioral Intervention following Bariatric Surgery: A Pilot Study

Abstract EN

Background.

Lifestyle intervention programs after bariatric surgery have been suggested to maximise health outcomes.

This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and impact of an 8-week combined supervised exercise with nutritional-behavioral intervention following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Methods.

Eight female patients (44 ± 8 years old, BMI = 38.5 ± 7.2 kgm−2) completed the program.

Before and after intervention, anthropometric measures, six-minute walk test (6MWT), physical activity level, eating behavior, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed.

Percentage weight loss (%WL) outcomes were compared with a historical matched control group.

Results.

The program significantly improved functional capacity (mean increment in 6MWT was 127 ± 107 meters, p = 0.043 ), increased strenuous intensity exercise (44 ± 49 min/week, p = 0.043 ), increased consumption of fruits and vegetables ( p = 0.034 ), reduced consumption of ready meals ( p = 0.034 ), and improved “Change in Health” in QoL domain ( p = 0.039 ).

The intervention group exhibited greater %WL in the 3–12-month postsurgery period compared to historical controls, 12.2 ± 7.5% versus 5.1 ± 5.4%, respectively ( p = 0.027 ).

Conclusions.

Lifestyle intervention program following bariatric surgery is feasible and resulted in several beneficial outcomes.

A large randomised control trial is now warranted.