Document Type

Dissertation - University Access Only

Award Date

2012

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department / School

Health and Nutritional Sciences

First Advisor

Kendra Kattelmann

Abstract

The popularity of weight loss surgery (WLS) has continued to iii surge in the United States during the past decade. Although obesity-related comorbidities show improvement with WLS, limited research is available on eating and exercise behaviors associated with long-term weight maintenance. Methods: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore eating and walking behaviors associated with weight maintenance and weight regain in gastric bypass (GB) patients (n=24 women) two or more years post-surgery. Demographic, anthropometric, food record and step count data were collected. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to describe the sample population. Focus groups were also used to understand behaviors and support systems associated with weight stabilization. Two focus groups were audio-taped and transcribed. The participant comments were organized into common themes. Results: In this sample of women, 75% (18/24) have sustained a weight loss􀃰 50% of their excess body weight. The average daily step count recorded by a pedometer was approximately 5,500 steps per day. Of those individuals who were weight stable (n=15), an estimated 6,915 steps per day were averaged compared to 3,217 average steps per day of individuals who claimed to be regaining weight. A mean total caloric intake of 1,429±411 calories was reported with a caloric breakdown of 43% from carbohydrate, 17% from protein and 39% from fat. Individuals who admitted to chronic weight gain recorded a caloric intake of approximately 1,630 kcals compared to those individuals who were sustaining a significant weight loss and who consumed approximately 1,343 kcals per day. Fast food consumption of three or more times per week was recorded in iv 11 of the 24 ( 46%) food logs. The food records also confirmed a diet high in liquid calories (soda, coffee drinks, sports drinks and alcohol), sweets (bite-size candy bars, chocolate and cookies) and convenience foods. Sixty-seven percent (16/24) of the subjects recorded consuming 100 calories or more from beverages on a daily basis. Emerging themes from the focus groups indicated variable family support and a return to "old eating habits." Conclusion: Based on the findings in this study, weight loss maintenance was associated with a lower caloric intake and a higher step count compared to individuals who were gaining weight. In general, the food records from post-GB patients showed calorically-dense food choices, frequent consumption of beverages with calories and a high percentage of total calories attributed to fat intake. The focus group participants identified a lack of long-term emotional support from family members and limited community support for post-GB patients.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Gastric bypass -- Patients 
Health behavior

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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Rights Statement

In Copyright