Author(s): ALOTHMAN, S., ALSHAMRI, D., ALSHLWI, S., FALOUDAH, S., AL-MASUD, A., ALZABEN, A., Institution: PRINCESS NOURAH BINT ABDULRAHMAN UNIVERSITY, Country: SAUDI ARABIA, Abstract-ID: 2589

INTRODUCTION:
Gastric sleeve (GSL) is the most common bariatric surgery. While substantial weight loss is expected, long-term success depends on sustained improvements in physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Post-operative care often includes non-structured “generic” lifestyle advice; however, its effectiveness in modifying objectively measured physical behavior remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate longitudinal changes in device-measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep during the first year following sleeve gastrectomy under a standard generic lifestyle care model.
METHODS:
This 1-year prospective longitudinal study included 63 adults (43 women, 20 men; age 35 ± 12 years) undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. Participants were assessed pre-operatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery. Physical behavior (step count, stepping time, sitting time, and sleep duration) was measured using a thigh-mounted accelerometer (ActivPAL) worn continuously for 7 consecutive days at each time point. Post-operative care included protein supplementation (first 6 months), individualized dietary counseling, and general advice to increase physical activity. Repeated measures analyses were conducted to examine changes over time.
RESULTS:
Participants achieved substantial weight loss at 12 months (−40 ± 9 kg, p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in daily step count (5582 ± 2559 to 5613 ± 2473 steps/day), stepping time (76 ± 38 to 76 ± 34 min/day), sitting time (556 ± 149 to 525 ± 174 min/day), or sleep duration (442 ± 147 to 444 ± 150 min/day) (all p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
Despite substantial weight loss during the first year following sleeve gastrectomy, objectively measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep duration remained largely unchanged under a generic lifestyle care model. These findings indicate that weight reduction alone may not be sufficient to modify daily movement behaviors. More structured and targeted behavioral or exercise-specific strategies may be required to promote meaningful changes in physical activity patterns after bariatric surgery.