Development of a MHBC Intervention for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation for Pre-Bariatric Surgery Patients

Smoking prevalence among pre-bariatric surgery patients is estimated to be as high as 40%. In addition to quitting smoking, patients are expected to lose weight before surgery, which is challenging as smoking cessation is associated with weight gain. Pre-bariatric surgery patients would significantly benefit from a tailored multiple health behavior change intervention targeting weight loss and smoking cessation concurrently, yet no such interventions have been examined within this patient population. This study aims to develop and pilot a multiple health behavior change intervention with combined behavioral and pharmacotherapy (Naltrexone + Bupropion) for weight loss and smoking cessation for adults seeking bariatric surgery. This pilot will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, as well as use a mixed methods approach for intervention refinement. Weight loss and smoking cessation will be assessed post-treatment. This study will provide important preliminary data needed to develop an effective intervention that will address weight loss and smoking cessation concurrently, which is needed to improve bariatric surgery utilization and reduce risk for smoking relapse post-surgery for this high-risk patient population.