Effects of Wolffia Globosa (Mankai) in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

Overview

Candidates to bariatric surgery at The Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at Cleveland Clinic Florida are prescribed a high protein liquid diet for two weeks preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. Whether Wolffia Globosa (Mankai), a plant based wholesome food, can serve as a natural alternative to liquid diet during the 2 week pre-operation and 2 weeks postoperation liquid based diet, is unknown. The investigators aim to address the effect of daily Wolffia Globosa (Mankai) administration on morbid/severely-obese patients during the 2 week pre-operative period and 2 weeks postoperatively as compared to iso protein-iso caloric shake source on the following parameters

This study is a prospective study involving patients selected for elective surgery. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery will be enrolled in this study and have several parameters checked as explained below. Patients selected and consented for elective bariatric surgery will be recruited in the Bariatric and Metabolic Institute to participate in this study and will undergo standard of care. The investigators will enroll approximately 120 candidates during a 6 months (\~5 a week) period. Patients will be randomized to the A. control group: 3 traditional shakes or B. intervention group: 2 traditional shakes and 1 daily administration of substituting iso-protein green Wolffia Globosa (Mankai) Shake (4 frozen cubes of Wolffia Globosa (Mankai) equal to 20 grams of dry Wolffia Globosa (Mankai). Each shake will provide equivalent carbohydrate, calories and protein levels from the respective source. As part of our routine pre and postoperative screening and follow up protocol, the investigators will collect anthropometric and clinical data on all patients, including standard of care blood samples collected at 2 weeks pre operatively, surgery day and at 2 months postoperatively