What drives individuals to choose bariatric surgery? an in-depth review of dietary and nutritional variables

The motivations, eating habits, and behavioral characteristics of African American and Caucasian obese females (n=200) seeking bariatric surgery were described in this study. Heads Up is a study that examined surgical and nonsurgical approaches to weight management of obese adults. The present study collected and analyzed data from the Heads Up pre-surgical dietary assessment interview questionnaire. Differences between groups were assessed using two-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to examine associations between variables. Participants reported consuming fast food 2.9 ± 2.6 times per week and fried foods 2.1 ± 1.8 times per week. Approximately 27% reported regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas and 23% reported regular consumption of sugar-sweetened tea beverages. Over half (59%) of females indicated that health concerns were the primary reason for seeking surgery. Findings suggest that foods low in nutrient value are commonly consumed among females seeking bariatric surgery. Addressing usual dietary intake and level of motivation prior to bariatric surgery may improve long term surgical success.