Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery : What to Do?
Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss option for those with severe obesity. However, after 1-2 years post-surgery, some patients may notice their weight starting to increase again, causing concern and raising the question: “Why am I gaining weight again after bariatric surgery ?”
Today, we’ll present in-depth information about the causes, prevention methods, and solutions for weight regain after surgery.
Disadvantages of Bariatric Surgery : Weight Changes After the Procedure
After bariatric surgery for weight loss, body weight decreases significantly during the first 1-2 years. After that, the rate of weight loss stabilizes, and in some patients, weight may increase from its lowest point by approximately 8-10%.
One disadvantage of bariatric surgery to be aware of is that different surgical methods produce different weight loss results:
- Malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass, provide greater weight loss.
- Restrictive procedures, such as gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy, result in approximately 10-15% less weight loss.
Major Causes of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
1. Stomach Expansion
The stomach that was reduced in size through bariatric surgery can expand over time, especially when patients continuously consume large amounts of food. This reduces the ability to limit food intake and affects long-term bariatric surgery weight loss results.
2. Inappropriate Eating Behaviors
Consuming high-energy foods, snacks, or beverages high in sugar and calories is a common cause of the yoyo effect after surgery. When eating habits remain poor, even after surgery, sustainable weight loss becomes impossible.
3. Insufficient Exercise
Insufficient physical activity reduces energy metabolism, causing excess energy to be stored as fat, contributing to the yoyo effect after bariatric surgery.
4. Hormonal Changes
Bariatric surgery may affect the secretion of hormones related to feelings of fullness and hunger, such as ghrelin and leptin, which may adapt over time, causing increased hunger to return.
5. Psychological Factors
Stress, depression, or other emotional problems may lead to emotional eating, which can cause weight to increase again.
6. Lack of Follow-up with Medical Team
Not receiving regular monitoring and evaluation makes it impossible to detect and address problems in their early stages.
5 Methods to Prevent and Resolve Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery
1. Strict Dietary Control
You should strictly follow the nutritionist’s recommendations, with these key principles:
- Separate food and water intake – drink water 30-60 minutes away from meals to prevent food from passing into the intestines too quickly.
- Choose high-protein foods – focus on lean meats, eggs, and various beans to maintain muscle mass and provide a feeling of fullness.
- Avoid high-calorie foods – eliminate fried foods, sweets, sodas, and processed foods high in fat and sugar.
- Limit alcohol consumption – after surgery, alcohol is absorbed much faster and provides high energy without necessary nutrients.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly – helps you feel full more easily and prevents possible blockages.
2. Regular Exercise
Exercise is extremely important in controlling weight and preventing the yoyo effect after bariatric surgery.
- Aerobic exercise – brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for at least 150 minutes per week.
- Increase muscle strength training –at least 2-3 days per week to increase muscle mass and metabolism rate.
- Increase daily activities – walk more, use stairs instead of elevators, and get up and move every hour.
- Consult experts – see a physical therapist or personal trainer to plan exercise appropriate for your physical condition.
3. Regular Follow-up with Medical Team
Meeting with doctors and multidisciplinary professionals as scheduled is crucial:
- Regular check-ups –help doctors detect problems and provide advice from the early stages.
- Vitamin and mineral level testing – to prevent nutritional deficiencies that may occur after surgery.
- Stomach size assessment – after 1 year post-surgery, you should receive an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to assess stomach size and anastomosis circumference.
4. Food and Weight Recording
Regularly tracking eating behaviors and body weight helps you see trends and adjust behaviors promptly:
- Daily food journaling – record everything you eat, including quantities and times.
- Regular weighing – weigh yourself 1-2 times per week, at the same time and in the same environment.
- Use tracking applications – many apps help record food and calculate calories.
5.Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
After bariatric surgery, the absorption of vitamins and minerals may decrease, which can affect bariatric surgery weight loss and overall health, so supplementation is necessary:
- Multivitamins – should be taken daily as recommended by your doctor.
- Vitamin B12 – often needs to be injected or taken in a form that is well absorbed.
- Calcium and Vitamin D – important for bone health.
- Iron – especially in women of reproductive age who menstruate.
Conclusion
Bariatric surgery is merely a tool to aid weight loss, not a treatment method that will produce permanent results without additional effort. The most important thing is to change your lifestyle and eating behaviors for the long term.
Although one disadvantage of bariatric surgery is that the yoyo effect may occur, with proper understanding and appropriate self-care, you can prevent weight regain.
Weight control after bariatric surgery requires commitment, regular monitoring, and comprehensive self-care, both physically and mentally. If you notice your weight beginning to increase, consult your medical team immediately to find the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
By strictly following recommendations and continuous self-care, the chances of successfully maintaining stable weight long-term after bariatric surgery weight loss are high and will sustainably benefit your overall health.
For those who want to lose weight properly for sustainable good health, at Chula Doctor Clinic, we have a team of expert doctors ready to provide consultation and comprehensive treatment planning. With specialized expertise in properly caring for patients with overweight conditions, you won’t have to fear weight gain after weight loss.
Consult with health experts at Chula Doctor Clinic because good health begins with proper and appropriate care.
