RE-GAINING THE LOST WEIGHT AFTER THE OBESITY SURGERY

Obesity today is unfortunately a problem that many people can not come up with and the prevalence increases day by day. While obesity alone threatens health, it also becomes an inevitable problem with the addition of diseases it brings with it.

Bariatric surgery is a very successful method for solving the problems arising from obesity and comorbid diseases. It restricts the volume of stomach and reduces the absorption, thus providing a comfortable life. But it should not be forgotten that obesity surgery is not a ‘MIRACLE’. While it is necessary to discipline post-operative eating habits, it is important to note that the lifestyle change is also a necessity.

Causes of weight gain after obesity surgery

There are many reasons for weight gain again. They are;

* Stomach enlargement; The stomach volume can expand a bit after a long period of surgery, but it can also expand if people go out of the rules. People who have not been able to incorporate healthy eating habits into their lives can turn into this big problem and gain back weight by looking for acidic drinks or high calorie foods.

* Wrong food choice; Individuals should be well informed about the specific nutritional behaviors created after surgery, how to fill the small stomach capacity, and should revise their lives accordingly. Especially at mealtimes, healthy meals made at home will speed up the weight loss process of the people. Foods containing trans fats, high-sugar foods, carbohydrates and alcohol are found in the nutrients that pyramid which should not be consumed for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery.

* Psychological factors; If people have risky eating habits such as night eating disorder, continuous snacking, emotional eating, they should be detected before the operation and precautions must be taken. These risky behaviors play a significant role in triggering back weight gain.

* Exercise; we are trying to make exercise after bariatric surgery a lifestyle in people’s lives. In particular, we observe backward weight gains in individuals who are completely away from exercise.

* Tracking; Unfortunately, the prevalence of follow-up in the world is rather low. Obesity surgery is a field requiring close follow-up. If there are incongruities or different habits in people, we can recognize them in follow-ups and get over it.

* Support; obesity surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach. You must be motivated by both your surgeon, dietitan and nurse. At this point, the most important part of the support team is family. The family’s adjusting to the new life style which has radically changed after the obesity surgery is one of the important post-operative factors that affect back weight gain.

Yours,
Bariatric Surgical Nutrition Consultant

Pinar SEYREK