Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Prepare the Patient for Bariatric Surgery (REBAS)
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, which triggers physiological mechanisms that increase the risk of a wide range of health problems. The most effective treatment for severe obesity is metabolic-bariatric surgery, which can lead to a 15-20% weight reduction, significantly lowering the risks of illness and death. However, the success of this surgery can be threatened by poor eating habits after the procedure. The main goal of this study is to enhance the long-term effectiveness of bariatric surgery by combining it with non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) targeting inhibitory centers before the operation. Additionally, the investigators aim to comprehensively monitor patients before and after surgery, focusing on investigating changes in brain function associated with the achieved weight loss.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects with severe or morbid obesity (determined by BMI \> 35 or 40 kg/m2, respectively) eligible for BS treatment in compliance with the current guidelines * Subjects who meet reduced control over eating behavior (disinhibition) criteria in the Eating Habits Questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects unable to provide informed consent and those unable to understand and cooperate with study-related procedures (based on the physician's discretion) * Subjects with a personal history of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation * Subjects who have already undergone BS treatment in the past * Pregnant subjects or subjects that plan on becoming pregnant during the study. * Subjects deemed unsuitable for the study based on expert evaluation (e.g., by a physician or neuropsychologist) will be excluded. * Subjects with dreadlocks (problematic for the EEG)