Comparing Ready-to-Eat Meals with Standard Care for Bariatric Surgery Preparation
Official title: Compliance With Standard Care vs Ready to Eat Meals Prior to Bariatric Surgery - a Randomised Controlled Trial
Run by National University Hospital, Singapore · NCT06461247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if ready-to-eat low-calorie meals can help people preparing for bariatric surgery stick to their diet better and feel more satisfied compared to regular liquid meal replacements.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National University Hospital, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 12, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06461247 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 to 65 years scheduled for bariatric surgery with a BMI of 32.5 kg/m2 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with cognitive impairments, chronic illnesses, or specific dietary restrictions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Very Low Calorie Diet Ready-to-eat (VLCD RTE) meals compared to standard liquid meal replacements for patients preparing for bariatric surgery. The study aims to enhance patient compliance and satisfaction by providing a more enjoyable meal option that still meets dietary requirements. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the VLCD RTE meals and the other following the standard care protocol. Compliance will be measured through blood ketone levels and meal logging using the Nutritionist Buddy app.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve pre-operative weight loss outcomes and patient satisfaction for those undergoing bariatric surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that alternative dietary approaches can improve compliance and outcomes, suggesting potential success for this novel intervention.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 21 to 65 years old * Scheduled for bariatric surgery at least 1 month prior * BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m2 (with type 2 diabetes mellitus or metabolic syndrome) * Owns a smart phone with data plan * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment. * Hypothyroidism * Chronic kidney disease * Hypothyroidism * Depression with ongoing psychology follow up * Type 1 diabetes * Liver Cirrhosis * Pregnancy * Heart Failure * Active cancer or in remission for less than 5 years * Vegetarian * Observing the fast during the month of Ramadan * Undergoing treatment with anti obesity medications (eg: Phentermine/Orlistat/Contrave/GLP-1 analogues etc)
Where it's running
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Alexandra Hospital
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting -
National University Hospital
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa Tay — National University Hospital, Singapore
- Study coordinator: Melissa Tay Hui Juan
- Email: melissa_hj_tay@nuhs.edu.sg
- Phone: 67725166
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation to Help Breathing After Bariatric Surgery
A randomized trial tests whether a skin-placed nerve stimulator can reduce diaphragmatic dysfunction after bariatric surgery in people with obesity.
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Stress response with desflurane versus opioid-free TIVA during weight-loss surgery
This study will test whether adding the inhaled anesthetic desflurane to opioid-free anesthesia changes the body's perioperative stress response in people having bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
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Autonomic Nerve Blockade to Reduce Pain and Nausea After Bariatric Surgery
This study tests whether an autonomic nerve block given during bariatric surgery can lessen pain and nausea and decrease the need for anti-nausea and pain medicines in the first 72 hours after sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass.
-
Effects of bile acids on glucose metabolism after gastric bypass surgery
This study is testing how bile acids affect blood sugar levels in people who have had gastric bypass surgery by giving some participants a medication and comparing their results to others.
-
Evaluating anesthesia techniques for reducing inflammation in bariatric surgery
This study tests different anesthesia methods during bariatric surgery to see which one helps reduce inflammation and supports better recovery for patients.
-
Ketogenic diet before bariatric surgery
This study is testing if a very low-calorie ketogenic diet can help people lose weight and reduce liver size before bariatric surgery, compared to a standard low-calorie diet.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.