Preventing Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is proven to be effective and is a great option for those struggling with health conditions. However, it is only one step towards significant weight loss. Rather than being a total solution, bariatric surgery should be used alongside other positive lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise. Failure to implement the recommended lifestyle changes will increase your chances of weight regain. Whilst it is common for many patients, there are different causes, some of which are preventable. We’re here to tell you why it happens and how to prevent weight regain after bariatric surgery.

Reasons for regaining weight after bariatric surgery 

Studies have shown that weight regain after bariatric surgery is a very common experience for a significant number of patients. For the first year after surgery, most patients are diligent with their exercise routine and make sure they are consuming smaller, healthier portions. This is due to a small stretch in the gastric pouch which remains permanently more restricted than before the operation. Once they start to tolerate more foods and larger meals, however, some patients will eat more and exercise less. For this reason, many people regain a small amount of weight 12 to 24 months following surgery. Although the most common reason for weight gain is diet-related, it can happen for a variety of different reasons.

From environmental reasons to personal, patient-related factors, here are the most common reasons for putting on weight after bariatric surgery:

• Lack of access to healthy food options
• Easy access to fast food
• Consuming processed foods
• Binge eating 
• Physical inactivity 
• Lack of support from family and friends
• Eating continuously throughout the day
• Lack of post-op knowledge 
• Metabolic disorders
• Mental health conditions
• Surgical errors 

While some of these are out of the patient’s control, there are some factors that are preventable. 

Tips to preventing weight regain after bariatric surgery

Although weight regain is often inevitable, here are some tips all patients should consider to prevent significant weight regain after bariatric surgery. 

1. Recognise that being overweight and or obese is a chronic, complex condition that programs your body to gain weight. 
2. Don’t feel embarrassed if you start regaining weight. You are not a failure. If this happens to you, reach out to your Brisbane Weight Loss Surgery team. They will help you to problem solve what’s going on.
3. Connect with your friends, family, and weight loss surgery communities or groups. Having a good support network is key to long-term success.
4. Schedule and attend regular visits with your dietitian and Fresh Start team to keep your weight loss on track. Your team of dietitians will help you maintain healthy eating habits. 
5. Follow your recommended meal plan as closely as possible to ensure you’re getting adequate nutrition and maintaining muscle mass. Remember to eat foods that are high in protein and have small, regular meals.
6. Avoid mindless snacking or grazing. It prevents you from feeling full, and the extra calories will increase your chances of weight gain.
7. Above all, check in on your mental health. If you have consistent, long-term difficulties maintaining the recommended lifestyle changes or feel like your mental wellbeing is suffering, talk to your GP. 

Your team at Brisbane Weight Loss Surgery want you to succeed and will support you to reach your goals. Did you know that at Brisbane Weight Loss Surgery, we provide our patients with support from Dr Ian Martin and our expert dietitians for up to two years post-operation. So if you are struggling with weight regain following your bariatric surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. You can find more information on weight loss surgery on our resources page.