VLEDs in non-bariatric surgery patients

Very low energy diets (VLEDs) are often used to achieve weight loss in preparation for bariatric surgery, but do they play a role for patients undergoing non-bariatric surgery? Tune into this podcast with Senior Complex Obesity Dietitian, Sally Griffin, as she shares her research and experience in implementing VLEDs as part of a multidisciplinary approach. In the episode, Sally discusses which patients can benefit from this protocol, how to ensure the VLED is safe for higher risk patients, and the importance of monitoring and supporting patients along the way. Sally also shares general patient attitudes and adherence rates, how to work with surgeons to improve patient outcomes, and her top tips and resources for dietitians interested in this approach.

Biography

Sally Griffin is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and current PhD Candidate at Queensland University of Technology. With over 10 years clinical experience, Sally is currently the Senior Complex Obesity Dietitian at Logan Hospital, where she designed and implemented the successful Preoperative Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) Clinic for non-bariatric surgery patients, which has now been implemented across multiple hospitals and has attracted international attention. Sally’s research focus is on perioperative care for patients with complex obesity, and she is passionate about the integral role of dietitians in this specialist area. Sally has received multiple awards for her research and is considered the leading expert in Australia on the use of VLCDs to optimise patients with obesity for elective, non-bariatric surgery.

In this episode, we discuss:

What VLEDs are and how long patients usually follow one
The current evidence to support VLEDs prior to non-bariatric surgery
How patients typically feel about the approach and the adherence rates
Important outcomes to monitor while a patient is following a VLED
How to collaborate with surgeons to improve patient outcomes

References

Griffin, S. B., Palmer, M. A., Strodl, E., Lai, R., Burstow, M. J., & Ross, L. J. (2021). Elective Surgery in Adult Patients with Excess Weight: Can Preoperative Dietary Interventions Improve Surgical Outcomes? A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 13(11), 3775. MDPI AG. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu13113775

Griffin, S.B., Ross, L.J., Burstow, M., Desbrow, B. & Palmer, M.A. (2021). Efficacy of a dietitian-led very low calorie diet (VLCD) based model of care to facilitate weight loss for obese patients prior to elective, non-bariatric surgery. J Hum Nutr Diet 34, 188–198. https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12819

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