INTRODUCTION: Studies examining preoperative weight loss using pharmacotherapy in metabolic and bariatric patients are limited. The objective was to investigate if patients taking a low-dose formulation of phentermine had improved weight loss. METHODS: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial including patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Anthropometric and serological data were collected during the initial consult visit and again during two follow-up visits. Lomaira is a low-dose formulation of phentermine. Patients took 8-mg tablets three times a day for 14 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was weight loss, which was measured as percentage total weight loss (%TWL) and change in body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Among 53 participants randomized, 45 (85%) completed the trial. Participants were predominantly female (91%)
the mean age was 41 years (SD = 11)
and the mean initial BMI was 48.4 kg/m CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose phentermine is efficacious and safe for preoperative weight loss in patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery.