Objective:

To examine the feasibility and acceptability of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with inhibitory control training and psychosocial support in improving postoperative outcomes after metabolic bariatric surgery.

Approach:

• Patient Recruitment: Patients aged 18 years and older who underwent sleeve gastrectomy within the past 18 months were recruited from a university clinic, with informed consent obtained prior to participation.
• Study Design: A double-blind, sham-controlled design was implemented, including one baseline assessment and two follow-up assessments at 4 weeks and 3 months post-intervention.
• Intervention: Participants received six sessions of either active or sham tDCS, combined with inhibitory control training and monthly psychosocial group sessions led by a psychotherapist and a qualified dietician.

Key Findings:

• Postoperative follow-up programs for metabolic bariatric surgery often lack adequate coverage by public health insurance.
• Current clinical practice primarily focuses on weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, with insufficient attention to psychosocial outcomes.
• Impulsivity and deficits in inhibitory control are associated with poorer postoperative outcomes after metabolic bariatric surgery.

Interpretation:

The study explores interventions targeting both neurobehavioral and psychosocial factors in the early postoperative phase to improve outcomes.

Limitations:

• The study is preliminary and may not yield definitive conclusions due to its exploratory nature.
• The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings, as it is drawn from a specific patient population.

Conclusion:

This study investigates a novel approach to enhance postoperative outcomes through combined interventions that address impulsivity and provide psychosocial support.