Can I Regain Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery can be a successful strategy to help with weight loss for people with obesity or weight-related health conditions. It offers a safe, effective, reliable way to lose weight if you can't lose it through lifestyle changes alone.
But weight loss surgery isn't a miracle cure. It is part of a multifaceted treatment plan that must also include exercise, healthy eating, and portion control. If you don’t commit to these changes, you may regain weight after surgery.
At Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, our providers make sure you’re fully educated about weight loss surgery so you can achieve the results you desire. With that in mind, we share some important information about weight gain after surgery.
About weight loss surgery
There are several types of weight loss surgery. These include lap band, gastric sleeve, and one anastomosis gastric bypass.
Weight loss surgery has many advantages. Among the most important are potential health benefits. Weight loss surgery can lead to an improvement in various medical problems, such as:
- Heart disease (various types)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Incontinence
- Joint pain, especially in the knees and hips
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels
Early success
During the initial year or two after weight loss surgery, most people lose a significant amount of weight, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. In fact, more than 95% of people lose at least half of their extra body weight after surgery.
Many patients maintain their weight loss over time. But research has found that 20-30% of patients either fail to achieve their target weight loss or regain lost weight.
Lifestyle changes to correct weight regain
If you opt to have bariatric surgery, failing to commit to a long-term pattern of healthy lifestyle choices could cause you to regain your lost weight.
Because of the importance of lifestyle changes for weight loss, we’re firmly committed to helping you learn how to make the best choices about eating and exercise.
We have created a comprehensive Back on Track Program to help our patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss long-term.
We also offer support groups, nutritional counseling, and behavioral counseling.
Surgical responses to weight regain
If you have regained weight after surgery, you may get back on track by recommitting to exercise and modifying your diet. But some of our patients require revision surgery to correct weight regain.
At Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics, we specialize in revision surgery for various bariatric procedures, including revision of gastric bypass and revision of gastric band surgery.
Help for all of your bariatric health needs
Our caring providers understand how hard it is to struggle with weight and weight-related health conditions. We’re proud to offer you a wide range of safe, effective treatment plans personalized to meet your needs.
Don't wait any longer to seek answers to your questions about weight loss surgery or weight regain after surgery. Contact us to request an appointment for an evaluation with one of our bariatric surgeons.