Gained Weight After Weight-Loss Surgery? Here's What Causes It and How To Combat It

Help, I'm Gaining Weight Again?

Weight-loss surgery is still the most effective way to solve obesity and excess weight problems. Unfortunately, however, you can also regain weight. This usually happens within 10 years of surgery, of which most people start putting on weight after 2 years. You’re more likely to regain weight after a Gastric Sleeve than a Gastric Bypass. Still, it is hard to say because every person is different and reacts differently to the procedure.

What Causes Weight Gain After Weight-Loss Surgery?

About a year after the surgery, the production of ghrelin can increase. This hormone signals the brain when it is time to eat. So, the more ghrelin you produce, the more food cravings you can have. Likewise, you can gain weight by slipping into old eating patterns and increased calorie intake. In addition, overeating, too little exercise, stress, and psychological symptoms like depression can also lead to weight gain.

How to Prevent or Lose Weight After Weight-Loss Surgery?

The fact that you can regain weight after weight-loss surgery means that the procedure is not a quick fix or final solution. To maintain a healthy weight, you need a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that suits you and to which you can easily stick. These effective tips will help you do that:

Mind What You Eat

If you want to maintain your weight, the first thing you need is to be mindful of your diet. This doesn't just involve small portions, but also the right kind of food. These include fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources such as chicken, beef, fish and eggs, whole grain items and dairy. Beware of alcohol and fruit juice, which contain many hidden calories and sugars. Also, light products are high in added substances and therefore not the best choice. Many people underestimate what they consume in a day. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a food diary if you notice that you have gained weight. 

Take Daily WLS Multivitamins

Vitamins and minerals are not only important for all kinds of bodily functions. They also affect your mood and hormones. After bariatric surgery, you eat less and get fewer vitamins and minerals out of food. That is why you need daily tailored WLS multivitamins. A WLS vitamin contains everything you need to support your health and keep your body and mind in balance.

Keep Moving

While nutrition is the most important factor for weight loss and maintenance, exercise is a valuable complement. Exercising burns calories, supports your metabolism, and builds muscles. Moreover, working out makes you produce endorphins. These hormones create happy feelings and reduce the risk of overeating. Get a mix of strength training, cardio, and flexibility. But don't underestimate walks either!

Get Plenty of Sleep

A good night's sleep is not only vital to recover and maintain your energy and mood. Lack of sleep also disrupts your hormones; decreasing leptin that signals you have eaten enough and increasing ghrelin that fuels your appetite. You can have emotional eating binges too if you don't sleep enough. Poor sleep can lead to obesity so don't neglect nightly hours.

Avoid Stress

Prolonged stress causes you to produce too much cortisol. Cortisol releases sugar in your body and moves it into the blood. When you don't use this sugar, insulin stores it as fat. Trouble sleeping and feeling restless are also effects of too high cortisol. And that leads more easily to cravings and weight gain. So, avoid stress as much as possible to keep the pounds off: this blog tells you how to do that.

Stay Motivated

For maintaining a healthy weight it’s essential to stick to your health routine. This sounds easy, but it is not always feasible. Make sure you get support to stay motivated. Start exercising with a friend and join a community. Track your progress by logging your healthy goals with an app like BariBuddy. This will not only make healthy living easier but also more fun.

Need support

Have you gained weight after your surgery? Remember that you can always ask for help. Our dieticians are specialized in nutrition for weight-loss surgery and are happy to work with you on your personal situation. Schedule a free call here.

Download BariBuddy

BariBuddy is the go-to app after bariatric surgery. Download the app for free and get direct access to healthy recipes and tools to easily maintain your healthy lifestyle.