What Causes Weight Gain After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
The gastric sleeve procedure, more properly called sleeve gastrectomy, is one of the most popular and effective laparoscopic bariatric procedures out there. A typical patient can expect to lose 50-60% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. It’s a less expensive alternative to gastric bypass, a more effective alternative to gastric bands or gastric balloons, and has been shown to be effective in promoting sustained weight loss. Despite this, some patients do report gaining weight after gastric sleeve surgery. Gastric sleeve weight gain is a contentious issue, primarily since weight loss was the very reason the patient decided to undergo the procedure in the first place. What causes weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery? And what can be done about it?
Is Gaining Weight After Gastric Sleeve Surgery Possible?
Unfortunately, it is possible for patients to gain weight after gastric sleeve surgery. Regain after bariatric surgery is a common issue and can occur due to various factors. Most weight gain is temporary, though, and usually shows up as slight blips. For example, a patient who has undergone a gastric sleeve and has fully recovered from the procedure may find that they gained two pounds from the previous week. This situation is not something to be concerned about. However, some patients report sustained weight gain and an increase in caloric consumption after getting the surgery.
What Causes Weight Gain After Gastric Sleeve?
Stress Eating
Old habits die hard, and many people end up obese due to using food as a way to cope with stress and emotional trouble. Bariatric surgery may reduce the hunger response, the ability to eat in one sitting, and (in the case of some procedures) the absorption of calories, but it does not change the stressors or the coping mechanisms that one comes up with to deal with those stressors. Tackling stress eating should be treated more as an issue of mental health, not one of nutrition. Seeking psychiatric treatment or counseling is highly recommended for those who find themselves stress eating even after surgery, as it can help them lose weight and maintain their progress.
Stomach stretching
Although both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve reduce overall stomach volume, the stomach pouch (or reshaped stomach) can still stretch to fit more food. This happens when the body adapts to eating larger portion sizes. In normal stomachs, stomach size is not correlated with obesity. But, if you’ve recently had surgery to shrink stomach volume, it could have lasting effects. Reduce overall portion size, and don’t drink water with meals. Instead, continue to sip water throughout the day just as you were instructed to during the post-op diet to help maintain your lost weight.
Lack of exercise
Implementing an exercise routine is one of the best things a patient can do after bariatric surgeries for their weight loss. It was found that bariatric patients who implemented an exercise routine lost more weight than those who did not and were able to keep it off as well. If you have reached a weight loss plateau or are starting to regain old weight, try adding exercise to your routine. Or, if you’re already exercising, try adding more strenuous workouts such as HIIT or resistance training to help assist in additional weight loss.
Conclusion
In conclusion, weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery is a multifaceted issue that can be influenced by various factors, including stress eating, stomach stretching, and lack of exercise. Understanding these causes is crucial for bariatric surgery patients who aim to achieve and maintain successful weight loss. By addressing these challenges through lifestyle changes and support, patients can work towards preventing weight regain and sustaining their weight loss journey.
Ascension Saint Agnes Bariatric Surgery offers a comprehensive approach to weight loss surgery, including gastric sleeve surgery near Maryland as well as Roux en Y near Maryland. Our dedicated team provides guidance and support to help patients achieve their long-term weight management goals. Ready to take the next step towards a healthier you? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can bariatric patients do to prevent weight regain after surgery?
Bariatric patients can prevent weight regain by maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to ensure successful weight loss.
Why do many bariatric surgery patients experience suboptimal weight loss?
Many bariatric surgery patients may experience suboptimal weight loss due to factors such as poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity, or emotional eating habits that can impact their body weight.
How can weight loss surgery contribute to long-term weight management?
Weight loss surgery can help with long-term weight management by reducing stomach size, which encourages smaller food intake, but it requires lifestyle changes and adherence to healthy habits for sustained success.