Implementation of a very low calorie diet program into the pre‐operative model of care for obese general elective surgery patients: outcomes of a feasibility randomised control trial

The present article aimed to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a very low calorie diet (VLCD) weight loss program into the pre-operative model of care for elective general surgery patients with obesity.A prospective, randomised control trial of adults with obesity awaiting elective general surgery was conducted at an outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomised to the intervention group, an 8-week VLCD program incorporating Optifast (Nestle Health, Germany) shakes, or to standard care (generic healthy eating information). Data were collected at baseline, week 8 and at 30 days post-surgery. The primary outcome of the study was feasibility, which was evaluated through demand, practicality, integration and acceptability measures.Forty-six participants (M 17: F 29, mean age 51.6 (13.1) years) with a mean body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m (40.5 kg/m (5.9)) were recruited. Of participants who completed the study there was a higher mean weight loss in the intervention group compared to the control group (-6.5 vs +0.15 kg; P