The Effect of High Protein Diets on Weight Loss and Lean Muscle Mass in Patients Awaiting Bariatric Surgery

All patients in CMDHB eligible for bariatric surgery are given a weight loss goal prior to surgery. It is unknown what the most effective diet is to lose weight, while still preserving muscle mass. The diet must also be acceptable and adhered to by patients. The aim of this study is to find out if a diet that is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrate than the standard Ministry of Health guidelines will have a greater effect on weight loss, preservation of lean muscle mass, surgical recovery score, adherence and acceptability.