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Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
Dr. Samantha Stavola-Giaconia DCN, RDN, LD, FAND
Lifestyle
April 26th, 2023
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Weight regain is one of the most impacting long-term complications after bariatric surgery. Some common definitions for weight regain are:
- Regaining weight to achieve a BMI above 35
- An increase in weight of above 10 kg (22 lbs.) from the patient’s lowest post-operative weight
Weight regain is frustrating and can sometimes lead to feelings of defeat, anger, or even depression, with the sense of “I failed.”
As many as 50 percent of patients may regain a small amount of weight (~5 percent) two or more years following their surgery. ‘Successful’ weight-loss is commonly defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight. Successful results are determined by You (the patient), and your perceived improvement in quality of life. Weight regain after bariatric surgery does not mean failed weight loss!
It is nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly what causes weight regain after weight loss surgery because everyone is different. Some potential mechanisms may be:
- Lifestyle
- Mental health
- Hormonal changes
- Surgical factors
- Behavioral changes
Tips to Get on Track
#1-Go Back to the Basics
- Follow a balanced meal plan focusing on protein, and an adequate intake of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats
- Drink at least 60 oz of fluids each day, avoiding high-calorie fluids
- Increase movement throughout your day, and incorporate a weekly exercise regimen including some resistance training and aerobic exercise
#2-Take Your Vitamins
- Adhere to the vitamin/mineral regimen set by your bariatric team
- Have your nutrition-related lab values checked annually at a minimum
#3-Manage Stress
- Stress plays a huge role in our hormone balance and eating patterns and can therefore lead to weight gain after bariatric surgery
- Find healthy ways to deal with stress
- Seek out a counselor
- Keep a journal
- Go for a walk
- Read a book
- Console in a trusted family member or friend
#4-Set small, attainable goals
- Trying to take on too much at once can be overwhelming
- Identify behaviors or skills that helped you lose weight in the beginning
- Examples might include:
- Food tracking
- Meal prepping
- Step counting
- Journaling
- Reincorporate those skills one or two at a time so that it’s manageable
#5-Stay Involved with Your Bariatric Clinic
- Weight regain after bariatric surgery is common, and your bariatric team is there to help you for life
- Attend support groups
- If you cannot go back to your original clinic, do not hesitate to find a new clinic. Other practices will be more than happy to continue your care!
- Before making any changes, it is important to consult with your doctor and bariatric team to ensure they are appropriate for you
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