The impact of preoperative counseling on postoperative treatment adherence in bariatric surgery patients: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To assess if attendance to a preoperative counseling program improved weight loss or adherence to treatment guidelines in patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Methods: One-hundred-forty-one patients were included in the study. Sixty-nine percent chose to participate in the counseling groups. They were randomized to a Treatment group and a Control group. Thirty-one percent chose not to participate in the counseling. However, they gave their consent to assessment before and after surgery (Reference group). Results: One year after bariatric surgery, 88% had a weight loss of >= 50% EWL, 37% reported more than 30 min of physical activity daily, 74% had 5-7 meals daily, and 87% took recommended vitamins. There were no differences in weight loss, eating habits, or physical exercise between the Treatment group, the Control group and the Reference group one year after surgery. Conclusion: Preoperative group counseling did not increase treatment adherence to recommended life-style changes. Practice implications: In accordance with findings in the present study, it is not reasonable to offer a preoperative counseling program for all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Further research should focus on developing and evaluating programs for postsurgical follow-up, and identifying patients that are in need for more comprehensive treatment programs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.