Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery – 7 Ways to Stay At Your Low Point

Reviewed by:  

Last Updated:  

Are you likely to experience weight gain after bariatric surgery? It depends on factors both in and out of your control.

Advertisement
Bariatric Surgery Source

Stay At Low Weight
7 Actions to Keep Off the Weight

Stay At Low Weight – 7 Actions to Keep Off the Weight

The key to preventing long term weight regain and reducing your risk of bariatric surgery complications is to learn and address potential pitfalls early on.

Seven behaviors have been proven to reduce the chance of weight gain after bariatric surgery:

1. Join and participate in a good weight loss surgery support group

Weight loss surgery patients who actively participate in support groups have roughly a 10% lower body mass index than patients who do not (1).

2. Stop binge eating well before surgery

Patients with binge eating disorder (BED) tend to lose less weight after surgery.  Receiving treatment for BED prior to surgery will lead to less weight gain after bariatric surgery (2).

3. Lose as much weight as possible prior to surgery

Your body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery directly relates to how much weight you’ll lose and keep off.  For example, one study showed that morbidly obese patients (BMI between 40 and 49.9) had a 15% higher likelihood than super obese patients (BMI of 50 or more) to keep off at least half of their excess weight 10 years after surgery (3).

4. Address alcohol and drug abuse problems

They will cause weight gain after bariatric surgery and potentially lead to bariatric surgery complications.  Your surgeon and bariatric surgery insurance company will both require a psychological evaluation before they approve surgery and the evaluation will include this topic.  Be prepared to be honest with your psychologist and work with them to get any problems under control.

5. Follow your bariatric doctors’ advice to the letter

This may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many patients follow their doctors’ orders for the first year or two and then slowly begin to slip back into their old habits.  The best bariatric doctors are not only good in the operating room but are also trained and experienced in helping patients keep the weight off long-term.

6. Address food urges and lack of well being if you start to experience them after surgery

If you begin to experience increased food urges, depression or other emotional problems following surgery, talk with your bariatric doctors right away and bring these issues out in the open with your family and support group.  Patients who experience these feelings and don’t address them usually gain more weight back.  

7. Continue to get nutritional counseling

Patients who continue to monitor their diet with the help of a professional (your surgeon-referred dietitian or nutritionist) have better long-term results (4).   Good bariatric doctors partner with or will refer you to a nutritionist or dietitian, so you should not need to find one on your own.  The key is to never stop seeing them.  For DS patients, diet and exercise works especially well and is very effective towards losing weight after any weight regain.

Review the following pages for more about proper diet and eating habits…

In addition to the above, the following pages will set you up for success, both reducing your risk of complications and minimizing your weight gain after bariatric surgery…

Back to top of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery

Average Regain
8 – 10% for Restrictive Procedures; 10 – 15% for Malabsorptive Procedures; Balloon Removed After 6 Months

Average Regain: 8 – 10% for Restrictive Procedures; 10 – 15% for Malabsorptive Procedures; Balloon Removed After 6 Months

The procedure you choose will play a large part in determining how much weight you will gain back after you hit your low point.

Following is a list of all widely performed procedures sorted by amount of long-term weight loss and average weight regain.

Highest long-term weight loss and little to no weight regain

High long-term weight loss, even though 8 to 10% weight regain

Moderate long-term weight loss and no weight regain

vBloc and AspireAssist each rely on devices to control the patient’s weight. While neither has long-term weight regain research, their nature indicates that patients will reach a weight loss plateau and stay there as long as the devices are used properly.

Moderate short-term weight loss

If the patient does not receive another gastric balloon after their balloon is removed or have one of the more involved procedures listed above, 100% weight regain is likely.

Regardless of which procedure you choose (or chose), the possibility for weight gain after a bariatric procedure will remain present throughout your life.

Remember… bariatric surgery is only a tool. You’ll need to continue doing the right things and making the right choices for the surgery to be effective over the long run.

References for Weight Regain After Weight Loss Surgery: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30)

Back to top of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery

Surgery to Reverse Regain
Revision Surgery Options for Bypass, Band, and Sleeve Patients

Surgery to Reverse Regain – Revision Surgery Options for Bypass, Band, and Sleeve Patients

Due to its inherent risks and high price tag, surgery to address weight regain should be your last resort.

If you have not done so already, please review the non-surgical options listed above, especially support groups. If you’re not actively participating in one now, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how effective they can be.

If you’ve already tried everything else, contact a surgeon’s office to discuss your options.

See the following pages depending on which procedure you had:

Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery Options

  • Have another sleeve procedure, sometimes called a “re-sleeve”
  • Convert to a duodenal switch (DS)
  • Convert to Lap-Band (“band over sleeve”) or gastric bypass

Gastric Bypass Revision Surgery Options

  • Shrink stoma by injecting a sclerosant
  • Add an adjustable gastric band (Lap-Band)
  • Lengthen the Roux limb of the intestine
  • Convert to a duodenal switch

Lap-Band Revision Surgery Options

  • Rebanding (remove band and add another)
  • Convert to a gastric sleeve
  • Convert to a gastric bypass
  • Convert to a duodenal switch

Click here to find a surgeon that specializes in weight loss surgery revisions.

Back to top of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery

Help & Support
Patient Experiences & Free Online Support Groups

Help & Support*

Did You Experience Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery?*

– How much weight did you lose before the weight regain started?

– How long after surgery did it begin?

– Which type of weight loss surgery did you have?

– What diet, exercise or other factors caused your weight regain?

– What did you do to stop or reverse it?

– If you haven’t experienced weight regain, give us your advice about how you’ve been able to avoid it.

Please share your experiences to help other bariatric surgery patients avoid pitfalls, keep their weight off and reverse weight regain if necessary…

Close Help

Entering your story is easy to do. Just type!…

Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. You can wrap a word in square brackets to make it appear bold. For example [my story] would show as my story on the Web page containing your story.

TIP: Since most people scan Web pages, include your best thoughts in your first paragraph.

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Close Help

Do you have a picture to add? It can be anything relating to your story, such as a before or after photo or something that helped you with your decision like your surgeon, a chart/picture/diagram relating to your chosen procedure, friends and family, etc.

Click the button and find it on your computer. Then select it.

 

Click here to upload more images (optional)

 

 

 

Author Information (optional)


To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

(first or full name)

(e.g., City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

submission guidelines.

Privacy: We promise to use your e-mail address only to notify you as requested.

We will need your e-mail address to notify you. Please enter...

Your Name
Your Email Address

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Share Your Experience

Questions From Other Visitors*

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page.

Click here to write your own.
Back to top of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery
TOOLS
FIND A SURGEON
DO YOU QUALIFY?
CHECK MY INSURANCE
WEIGHT LOSS ESTIMATOR
COST COMPARE
Apply for Loan (Ad)
Tax
Write-Offs
RECOVERY TIMELINES
PROCEDURE SUMMARIES
COMPARE PROCEDURES
Best Procedure Quiz
HEALTH BENEFITS

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

CLOSE TOOL

Find a Bariatric Surgeon

Back to Page

[get_data_from_ci_map_list url="maplist/maplistNewdesign"]
Back to Page Back to Tools

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

CLOSE TOOL

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Back to Page

Do You Qualify for a Bariatric Procedure?

Patients who qualify for bariatric surgery usually:

  • Are at least 80 lbs (36 kg) overweight
  • Are between 18 and 75 years old
  • Have a history of failed weight loss attempts (e.g., failed diets)
  • Thoroughly understand that the procedure is just a tool; long-term success requires significant diet and lifestyle changes

The minimum bariatric surgery qualifications include:

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
  • OR a BMI between 30 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint problems, or others
  • OR a BMI of 30 to 40 with or without health issues for the gastric balloon procedure

To calculate your BMI, enter your height and weight into the tool, then click the “Calculate BMI” button.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Check My Insurance Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Check My Insurance Tool

Back to Page

Check My Insurance Tool

Bariatric surgery insurance coverage varies by insurance policy:

Individual/Family Plans & Small Group Plans – Coverage varies by state; coverage is required by the Affordable Care Act in some states

Large Group Plans – Coverage depends on whether your employer has chosen to add it to your policy

Medicare and Medicaid – Bariatric surgery is covered

If your policy covers it and you meet the qualification requirements, your plan will likely include 4 procedures:

  • Gastric sleeve
  • Gastric bypass
  • LAP-BAND®
  • Duodenal switch

Your surgeon may be able to get partial coverage for the other procedures.

Use the tool to find out if your insurance covers bariatric surgery.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Estimator Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Calculator

You will start losing weight fast after any bariatric surgery procedure, but the total amount lost varies based on:

  • The procedure you choose
  • How closely you follow your doctor’s instructions

Enter your information into the tool to get an idea about how much weight you’ll lose after each procedure.

Click here to learn more

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Procedure Cost Compare Tool

Your out-of-pocket bariatric surgery cost can range anywhere from $0 to $20,000 or more depending on several factors, including:

Whether your insurance covers it – many insurances (including Medicare, Medicaid, and many individual/family and employer-provided policies) cover the majority of costs for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, LAP-BAND®, and duodenal switch. The other types of bariatric surgery are less likely to be covered, although you may be able to get insurance to pay for some of the costs. Tap the “With Insurance” button in the tool to see average out-of-pocket costs per procedure after insurance pays. See our Insurance Tool to find out if your plan covers it.

Which procedure you choose – if insurance won’t pay, costs range anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000+, depending on the procedure. Tap the “Without Insurance” button in the tool to compare the national average self-pay costs for each procedure. (NOTE: Some surgeons offer each procedure for as low as half of the national average).

How competitive your surgeon and hospital fees are – there is often a substantial difference in costs between different doctors and hospitals, even within the same town.

Whether you qualify for tax write-offs – Bariatric surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if your out-of-pocket costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income. See our Tax Tool to find out if your bariatric procedure will be tax deductible.

How you choose to pay for your procedure – If insurance covers it, you’ll only be responsible for any copays, deductibles, and coinsurance required by your specific plan. If you pay for the procedure without insurance, total costs will depend on how you pay. For example, your surgeon may offer a discount if you pay the full amount up front, and you can make the costs more affordable by applying for bariatric surgery financing.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

CLOSE TOOL

LOAN ESTIMATOR TOOL

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction.

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof. Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Tax Write-Off Calculator

Weight loss surgery is tax deductible, which can have a big impact on the total cost of surgery. You can deduct medical expenses if the costs are more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.

Use the tool to find out if you qualify for a tax deduction

To receive the deductions, you’ll need to complete Schedule A of the IRS Form 1040. You’ll also need to save your medical bills and payment statements as proof.

Money in one of the following special savings accounts (or even your IRA) may also be a way to pay for part of surgery tax-free:

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Archer Medical Savings Account (Archer MSA)
  • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Recovery Timeline Tool

Bariatric surgery recovery varies by procedure. Here are the ranges:

  • Timeline Range: from 3 days to 6 weeks to full recovery
    • Hospital Stay: from outpatient (return home same-day) to 3 days
    • Back to Work: from 3 days to 3 weeks
  • Pain Range: from mild discomfort to manageable with medication
  • Diet Range: from no restrictions to slow transition from clear liquids to solid foods
  • Activity Range: from no restrictions to slow transition back to regular activity and exercise

Use the tool to learn more about each stage of recovery.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

CLOSE TOOL

Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Bariatric Procedure Summaries

Back to Page

Below is a brief explanation of how each bariatric surgery procedure works. Tap the icons for more information.

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

Back to Page

Bariatric Procedure Comparison Tool

There are 6 types of bariatric surgery (also called “weight loss surgery”) available, including:

  • Gastric Sleeve – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Bypass – feel full sooner while eating & absorb fewer minerals
  • Duodenal Switch – feel less hungry & full sooner while eating, absorb fewer calories and minerals
  • LAP-BAND® – feel full sooner while eating
  • Gastric Balloon – temporarily feel full sooner while eating (balloon removed after 6 months)
  • AspireAssist – drain a portion of stomach contents after eating

Use the tool to compare each procedure.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Quiz: Learn Your Top 2 Procedures

The best weight loss surgery options for you depend on:

  • How much weight you want to lose
  • Your current age, weight, health issues, habits, and lifestyle
  • Your expectations for life after surgery
  • Whether you want a reversible procedure
  • What “trade-offs” you are willing to make

Take the quiz to find out which two procedures are best for you and why.

Back to Page Back to Tools

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

CLOSE TOOL

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool (Gastric Sleeve)

Back to Page

Bariatric Surgery Health Benefits Tool

Bariatric surgery “cures” or significantly improves many obesity-related health conditions, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Hypertension
  • Joint issues
  • … and many others

Select your health conditions in the tool, then click the Submit button to find out the impact a procedure like gastric sleeve can have.

Click here to learn more
Back to Page Back to Tools
Advertisement
Bariatric Surgery Source

References

  • Sallet PC, et al. Eating Behavior as a Prognostic Factor for Weight Loss after Gastric Bypass. Obesity Surgery Volume 17, Number 4 / April, 2007 Pages 445-451.
  • Christou NV, et al. Weight Gain After Short- and Long-Limb Gastric Bypass in Patients Followed for Longer Than 10 Years. Ann Surg. 2006 November; 244(5): 734–740.
    doi: 10.1097/01.sla.0000217592.04061.d5.
  • Orth WS, et al.  Support Group Meeting Attendance is Associated with Better Weight Loss. Obesity Surgery Volume 18, Number 4 / April, 2008 pgs 391-394.
  • Faria SL, et al.  Nutritional Management of Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery
    Obesity Surgery. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/w716724l2u68l31u/
    ?p=6d029e9052c048d9beab73c0b56c2ce0&pi=3
  • Weight gain after bariatric surgery as a result of a large gastric stoma: endotherapy with sodium morrhuate may prevent the need for surgical revision
    Marc F. Catalano, Goran Rudic, Alfred J. Anderson, Thomas Y. Chua
    Gastrointestinal Endoscopy – August 2007 (Vol. 66, Issue 2, Pages 240-245, DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2006.06.061)
  • Treatment of weight regain after gastric bypass surgery when using a new endoscopic platform: initial experience and early outcomes (with video)
    Daniel K. Mullady, David B. Lautz, Christopher C. Thompson
    Gastrointestinal Endoscopy – September 2009 (Vol. 70, Issue 3, Pages 440-444, DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2009.01.042)
  • UC San Diego Medical Center Press Release: Data Shows Incision-free Procedure Reverses Weight Regain after Gastric Bypass Surgery. June 2009.  Available at: http://health.ucsd.edu/news/2009/6-29-rose-procedure.htm.
  • Thompson, C.1; Slattery, J.; Bundga, M.; Lautz, D. Peroral endoscopic reduction of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a possible new option for patients with weight regain. Surgical Endoscopy, Volume 20, Number 11, November 2006 , pp. 1744-1748(5)
  • Dapri G, et al.  Laparoscopic Placement of Non-Adjustable Silicone Ring for Weight Regain After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Obesity Surgery Volume 19, Number 5 / May, 2009 Pages 650-654.
* Disclaimers: Content: The information contained in this website is provided for general information purposes and your specific results may vary depending on a variety of circumstances. It is not intended as nor should be relied upon as medical advice. Rather, it is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her existing physician(s). Before you use any of the information provided in the site, you should seek the advice of a qualified medical, dietary, fitness or other appropriate professional. Advertising: Bariatric Surgery Source, LLC has entered into referral and advertising arrangements with certain medical practices, original equipment manufacturers, and financial companies under which we receive compensation (in the form of flat fees per qualifying action) when you click on links to our partners and/or submit information. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Read More

Request a Free Insurance Check

Fill out the below form for a free insurance check performed in partnership with your local bariatric surgeon.

Advertisement

Los Angeles/Orange County

logo
mark