Weight Regain and Care after Weight Loss Surgery
(Post-Bariatric Care)
One of the greatest fears we face when seeking weight-loss surgery is the fear of weight regain. This is understandable considering that virtually everyone that has undergone weight-loss surgery. Or has at some point been a “Yo-Yo Dieter” during their weight-loss journey. However, it is not uncommon to hear stories of losing 10 pounds, or 20 pounds. At times, even 50-100 pounds with dieting attempts, only to see it return over time.
In reality, the good news is that with weight-loss surgery. Individuals can maintain the weight loss seen post-operatively throughout a long period. Though, we must keep in mind that surgery does not cure obesity, which is a chronic disease. As a matter of fact, surgery provides a powerful tool for significant weight loss. But without proper care “the tool” can lose its effectiveness, leading to weight regain.
Weight Loss Revision Care
- Firstly, many factors can cause weight gain after surgery. You can address most of them to get your weight loss journey back on track.
- Secondly, addressing and correcting the issues more expediently.
- Thirdly, you can halt weight gain sooner and resume weight loss.
- Lastly, if you would like to learn more about the nuances of regaining weight after bariatric surgery.
- Additionally, check out these other resources: Bariatric Surgery Guide – Treating Weight Regain after Surgery.
What are Possible Reasons for Weight Regain?
Patient Non-Compliance
Some patients find themselves gaining weight after surgery. Because they have slipped back into their old, unhealthy habits. After having weight loss surgery a patient must make life-long lifestyle changes. To reach a healthy BMI level and maintain their weight loss.
Eating unhealthy food, or too much food at one time. Choosing not to follow their exercise plan are all conscious choices that can promote weight regain. Also, patients must practice portion control. Because if they overeat consistently they can stretch out the small stomach pouch created during their bariatric surgery.
Once this happens they continue to overeat and experience weight regain. This stomach-stretching scenario can sneak up on an individual. Even though they are not making a conscious choice to stray from their weight loss program.
Anatomical Changes
Sometimes, anatomical alterations can occur. That bypasses the restrictive changes made during bariatric surgery. This allows the patient to overeat or no longer provides the feeling of satiety. That helps patients control how much they are eating. One of the most common changes that can occur. The expansion of the connection between the stomach and the small intestine (stoma).
Failure of Medical Device or Procedure
Unexpected issues may arise with a medical device or procedure. This may include the deflation of a gastric balloon, an issue with an adjustable lap band, or complications from surgery.
Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
We all know, that life happens and when it does, it is accompanied by excess stress. Stress prompts our bodies to manufacture a hormone called cortisol. It is the same one that is responsible for the “fight or flight” instinct. Cortisol grabs ahold of fat and won’t let it go no matter what we do. Stress also causes many people to slip into bad habits because they are comfortable. The combination of cortisol and the craving for comfort food can cause a patient to regain weight after bariatric surgery.
Medical Conditions
In some cases, weight gain after surgery can happen. Because of an undiagnosed medical condition such as a thyroid issue, or a prescription medication that they are taking.
The advantage of working with the weight loss experts at IBI Healthcare. They can identify these underlying issues and implement a solution to ensure they do not inhibit future weight loss.
What Can You Do to Stop Weight Regain After Surgery?
If you are experiencing weight gain after having bariatric surgery or a non-surgical weight loss procedure. Set up a consultation with IBI Healthcare Institute today. Our team of professionals has expertise in obesity treatments. Necessarily, help identify what is hindering your weight loss efforts and how to overcome these obstacles.
Our Advanced Weight Loss Center offers several options that will address weight regain at its root. Visit our Gastric Sleeve and Bypass Revision (GSRe and TORe) page for more information.
Education, Support, and Accountability
If you are beginning to gain weight, ask yourself these questions:
- Are you getting enough sleep?
- How has your energy level been?
- Are you having heartburn or reflux?
- How many times a day do you eat?
- How much can you eat in one sitting?
- Have you started any new medicines?
- How many times a day do you get hungry?
- Why do you think you are regaining weight?
- Do you ever feel full and if so, how long does it last?
- Are there any new or ongoing stress points in your life?
However, some key elements that can help prevent weight gain after surgery are education, ongoing support, and accountability. Above all, we believe patients should understand the importance of nutrition. As well as how to use their weight loss procedure to help them reach their goals. Moreover, nutritional and dietary counseling, behavioral health guidance, exercise coaching, and a comprehensive support system. These will help patients make long-term lifestyle changes that promote maintaining a healthy weight.
Granted that, sometimes, we can get in our way. While this may be true when we set our minds on a long-term goal. Subsequently, losing weight and maintaining that weight loss is challenging. Though, requires determination and making healthy choices for a lifetime.
Consequently, it means asking yourself hard questions and answering them honestly. Being accountable to yourself is the best type of support you can receive.
Having said that, schedule a consultation with IBI Healthcare board-certified weight loss experts. Conversely, identify the specific factors contributing to weight regain and get professional guidance. Last but not least, during your consultation. The surgeon will discuss the weight regain issues, and identify potential underlying issues. Furthermore, develop an effective care plan tailored to your needs to help get you back on track.