Analysis of Changes in Protein Intake Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Its Influencing Factors

Background Little is known about factors associated with protein intake post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, especially in Chinese weight loss patients over 6 months. This project aimed to identify possible factors to improve protein intake and investigate protein supplement usage to reduce complications such as malnutrition. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on 120 eligible patients at a tertiary hospital. They completed study measures at baseline, 3 months post-surgery (T0), and 6 months post-surgery (T1). Univariate and multivariate Linear regressions were utilized to analyze factors related to protein intake. Results At 6 months post-surgery, most patients did not meet the recommended protein intake of >= 60 g/day. Patients who intake protein < 60 g/day lost more weight at T0, but patients who intake protein >= 60 g/day lost more weight at T0 to T1. The three macronutrients for all patients were significant differences in dietary and protein supplement sources between T0 and T1. Multi-factor linear regression found that lower educational level, pre-operative hypertension, and the lower EBBS total score at 6 months were significant predictors of insufficient daily protein intake. Conclusions Findings shed new light on factors that may account for deficiency protein intake, which have implications for guiding effective interventions targeting this behavior.