To Keep Myself on Track: The Impact of Dietary and Weight Monitoring Behaviors on Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Background: Dietary and weight monitoring are effective strategies for weight loss among individuals using dietary and lifestyle weight management techniques. This study aimed to (1) examine self-monitoring behaviors in bariatric surgery patients, (2) identify the effect of self-monitoring behaviors on postsurgery weight loss, and (3) describe patients' explanations for performing self-monitoring behaviors. Methods: Thirty participants (24 women, 6 men) scheduled for either gastric bypass (n=11) or sleeve gastrectomy (n=19) were recruited to participate in a year-long, observational study of dietary and weight management behaviors. Twenty-nine completed self-monitoring questionnaires presurgery; 22 participants were available at the 6- and 23 were available at the 12-month follow-up. Results: Baseline dietary and weight monitoring behaviors positively correlated with performance of those behaviors at 12 months (p<0.05). Dietary monitoring behaviors at 12 months were positively correlated to total weight lost and percent excess weight loss at 12 months (p<0.05). Weight monitoring was not related to weight outcomes. Participants' explanations for monitoring behaviors included accountability, keeping track of food or nutrient intake, and monitoring weight loss or preventing weight gain. Conclusion: Dietary monitoring may be a useful weight loss strategy following bariatric surgery. Further research is needed to examine the long-term benefits of dietary and weight monitoring behaviors.