Structured dietary intervention to facilitate weight loss after bariatric surgery: A randomized, controlled pilot study.

Kalarchian, Melissa A; Marcus, Marsha D; Courcoulas, Anita P; Lutz, Calvin; Cheng, Yu; Sweeny, Gina

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential utility of a structured dietary intervention to assist bariatric surgery patients with weight management. METHODS Participants who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery 1 year previously were randomly assigned to a structured dietary intervention incorporating portion-controlled foods (intervention, n = 20) or a comparison group (control, n = 20). Both groups received instruction in behavioral weight loss (one 60-min session) followed by four monthly coaching telephone calls. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 months (post-intervention), and 6 months. RESULTS Participants were 85% female and 80% White. Average age was 46.9 (11.1) years, and body mass index was 31.3 (5.4) kg/m(2) at enrollment. Percent weight change from enrollment was significantly greater for intervention compared with control participants at 4 months [-4.56% vs. -0.13%, t(30) = -3.29, P = 0.003] and 6 months [-4.07% vs. -0.14%, t(31) = -2.03, P = 0.05]. Change in average daily calorie intake was greater among intervention compared with control [-108 vs. 116, t(30) = -2.01, P = 0.05] at 4 months only. CONCLUSIONS A structured dietary intervention increased weight loss and reduced calorie intake when initiated 1 year following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This approach holds promise for optimizing postsurgery lifestyle change.