Prevalent bariatric dietary practices: Is India on the same page?

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the number and types of bariatric procedures in India. It is, thus, important to monitor prevalent bariatric practices.

To identify prevalent pre- and post-operative dietary practices by bariatric professionals across India.

Data regarding various pre- and post-surgery dietary practices were collected using an Internet-based survey. Thirty-three bariatric professionals including dietitians (n = 25) and surgeons (n = 8) across the country participated in the survey. The data were analysed, and prevalent dietary practices were identified.

Five (20%) dietitians were not involved in the pre-surgery consultation. Nineteen (70%) professionals put all patients on a low-calorie pre-surgery diet regardless of their body mass index, with a preference (n = 21; 77.7%) for liquid diet. Twenty-three (70%) professionals put patients on post-surgery liquid diet for 1-2 weeks. Thereafter, 28 (84.8%) professionals recommended soft diet for 2-4 weeks. Twenty-seven (81%) professionals used protein shakes (as opposed to dietary sources) as their primary source of protein for the first 3 months post-surgery. Fourteen (36%) professionals stopped protein shake supplements within 6 months post-surgery. Ten (30%) professionals reported whey protein aversions in >25% of the patients. Twenty-three (71%) professionals advocated a meal with <30% of carbohydrates for up to 1 year. Twenty-eight (84%) professionals used portion control method for meals.

Our study reflects that prevalent dietary practices among Indian bariatricians are in line with national and international guidelines.