2.4. Recruitment and Randomization
Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the female patients who were in urgent need of surgery made up the bariatric surgery group (BSG), whereas the other patients, particularly those who did not meet the inclusion criteria and/or had no urgent need for surgery composed the control group (CG), that is, patients in the CG, did not undergo the surgical procedure for a period of 6 months. It is important to mention that the investigators who participated in the clinical trial interpretation were blinded to the study group’s composition. The patients were examined preoperatively and again at 6 months following each surgical procedure. The CG participants were assessed at the baseline when randomization took place and again at 6 months following the first assessment. All patients were evaluated by the same researchers and were also instructed to maintain their daily routines, especially regarding eating habits and physical activity. Any change in routine was required to be communicated to the researchers.