A broad focus on additional programmes prior to bariatric surgery: A systematic review

Additional preoperative programmes may be beneficial for candidates who seek bariatric surgery, but there is no consensus on the optimal preparation. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of a preoperative programme on weight loss. A literature search was performed for Embase, Cinahl, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Studies on preoperative exercise, behaviour and/or diet programmes administered in adult patients in a bariatric trajectory measuring weight loss were included. Initial results yielded 2148 titles, 70 of which were thoroughly analysed and 37 articles were included, comprising 10 333 patients. Eleven out of 37 studies included postoperative weight loss as an outcome in interventions focused on diet (n = 5), behaviour (n = 2), exercise (n = 2) and a combination of interventions (n = 2). Only one study (9%) which administered exercise as a preoperative programme showed a significant effect on postoperative weight loss. In total, 33 studies included preoperative weight loss as an outcome, which was significant in 64% of the cases. It is difficult to draw conclusions from the investigated data as it was extremely heterogeneous concerning the intensity, duration and administration of a programme. Nevertheless, it seems that a preoperative weight loss programme seems beneficial in terms of preoperative weight loss, postoperative physical activity and improved mental health postinterventional. The use of a core outcome set is recommended for future studies.