Weight regains after bariatric surgery
Prevent weight gain after Bariatric Surgery
If you have already had bariatric surgery and have reached your goal weight or completed a long-term weight loss process, it is normal that you feel enormous satisfaction and feel confident in your life, in your new health, in your new body, and in your new social activities.
The main reason for weight regains after bariatric surgery is a return to unhealthy eating habits and lack of exercise. After surgery, patients often experience significant weight loss, but if they do not maintain healthy habits, the weight can gradually creep back on.
Do most people gain weight back after bariatric surgery?
You have weight loss and are excited at the new opportunities for you post-surgery so your better self-esteem and confidence in all aspects of your life after bariatric surgery might make you forget sometimes about diets, eating plans, or exercise programs that have helped you to reach your weight goals and being committed to your post-op life changes.
Do not worry; this happens to many bariatric patients who usually start eating the wrong foods with high carbs and sugars.
There is for sure the concern about the possibility of gaming weight back and unfortunately, after some time there are people who after have achieved optimal weight loss, they regain the weight already lost as they did not follow the nutritional guidelines provided post-surgery as part of their new lifestyle.
When you abandon or broke the post-op eating rules, you will lose not only control of your weight but of your health and body. You need to understand that having a bariatric procedure will change your life and it does not mean to be on a diet all your life but you must live a healthy and make smart eating choices.
What percent of patients gain their weight back after bariatric surgery?
It is quite normal if you gain some weight back overtime after bariatric surgery because it is not that easy to face living in the same environment as before and control all the factors involved including that body fat is subject as well to metabolic pressures to regain lost weight,
You as most of the bariatric patients will reach your maximum weight loss after three years following the procedure, obviously respecting the post-op guidelines. The statistics say that bariatric patients’ weight regains will depend on the individual.
Most patients will gain a couple of extra pounds and their weight will be balanced and stabilized after losing 60% or 70% of their excess weight. Depending in your initial weight and goal weight, it can take you from 4 months until 1 yr. to reach your goals.
Avoid gaining weight with these tips
There are many tips that you can follow that will help you to maintain you have reached your ideal weight undergoing the bariatric procedure and weight loss journey after it:
- Follow your surgeon’s post-operative guidelines: Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines to follow after your surgery, including a diet plan and exercise recommendations. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Monitor your food intake: After bariatric surgery, your stomach will be much smaller, and you will not be able to eat as much as you used to. Be mindful of the quantity and quality of the food you are eating and avoid high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods.
- Stay active: Exercise is essential for maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, every day.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks, which can add unnecessary calories.
- Seek support: Join a support group or work with a registered dietitian to help you stay on track and stay motivated.
Bariatric surgerywork like a cure for obesity?
Finally, it’s important to note that bariatric surgery is not a cure for obesity. It is a tool that can help you achieve significant weight loss, but it is up to you to maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid weight regain.
The successful weight loss rate after bariatric surgery varies, but studies have shown that patients can expect to lose 50-70% of their excess weight within the first two years after surgery as mentioned above.