Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Bariatric surgery is a surgical intervention that assists with the loss of excess weight. It is currently the most common treatment for individuals with severe obesity. As obesity has increased in Canada, so has the demand for bariatric surgery. In general, bariatric surgery is good at helping individuals lose weight. However, some people after undergoing bariatric surgery, will experience weight regain and unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. These negative effects of bariatric surgery are associated with a reduced quality of life, higher rates of depression and a re-emergence of certain comorbidities such as diabetes. Past research has shown that bariatric surgery patients often engage in certain eating behaviours that increase their risk of post-surgery weight regain and gastrointestinal complications. Trait mindfulness has been shown to reduce these types of eating behaviours. However, no research has explored whether trait mindfulness can protect against bariatric surgery complications. This study will follow people who are having bariatric surgery at the CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal. A total of 600 adults having a first bariatric surgery will do the study. At 3 months before, 6 months after, and 12-months after surgery, we will measure the following things: people's levels of mindfulness, their diet (dietary composition, eating patterns), gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., rates of dumping syndrome), how people are dealing with life (quality of life, satisfaction, and mental health) and their weight (height, weight, waist and hip circumference, body fat composition). The goal of the research will be to look at the protective effects of mindfulness on bariatric surgery outcomes. Better understanding how mindfulness can reduce the risk of weight regain and unpleasant gastrointestinal side-effects is key to developing mindfulness-based interventions that can reduce postoperative complications and negative consequences of bariatric surgery.