Practice makes perfect? Patient response to a pre-bariatric surgery behavior modification program

Background: Although bariatric surgery has been identified as an effective treatment for weight loss in the morbidly obese, some patients regain weight postoperatively. A pre-treatment program focused on changing lifestyle behaviors could facilitate improved post-surgical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine patient satisfaction and perceived usefulness of a preoperative program. Method: Participants completed a bariatric surgery program that incorporated a 6-week behavior modification component before the surgery date. A self-report questionnaire was sent to individuals who had completed the program. The questionnaire assessed demographics, satisfaction with the pre-surgery program, and patients' perceived usefulness of the program. Results: Of 124 questionnaires sent, 70 were returned (56%). Participants had a mean age of 46.3 years. The majority of participants were Caucasian (97.1%), female (78.6%), and employed (68.6%). Mean preoperative BMI was 55.3; mean postoperative BMI was 36.3. Participants were 1 year post-surgery (mean 48.8 weeks). Patients were very satisfied with the overall program (mean Likert score 4.51), as well as with the behavior modification groups (mean 4.44). They found the groups to be very useful in making postoperative changes (mean 4.45). Patient satisfaction and perceived usefulness were not significantly correlated with the degree of weight lost (r=.05, P=.69; r=.05, P=.71). Conclusions: Patients found the preoperative behavior modification program useful in helping them make the necessary post-surgical lifestyle changes.