Is It Possible to Regain the Weight I Lost?

It’s true: weight loss surgery is not a cure all.  There’s no magic potion or spell that transforms you into your goal weight for the rest of time.  Weight loss surgery, like many other forms of weight loss and diet, takes work on your end.  The first step is deciding to pursue surgery.  This takes sacrifice and will power.  It takes humility to ask for help, not only from a surgeon, but also from family and friends who will walk the road with you post-surgery.

It takes work to maintain the weight lost through surgery.  You have to decide to stick to a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine.  We always recommend some form of accountability, whether that’s through joining a gym or getting your whole family to join in on healthy dinners and little snacking.  Gather your friends and create your own running club.  Let your kids help you cook.  Clear out your pantry of any over-processed snacks or ingredients with high fats and calorie content.

It is possible to regain the weight you lost.  You must actively work at keeping the weight off.  Though weight loss is on a case by case basis, we have seen that most weight lost will happen in the first two years.  This is when patients are most motivated and when it is easiest for them to lose the weight.  Perhaps what’s harder than initial weight loss, though, is maintenance.  Your goal is to get weight off and keep it off, so don’t quit!

Keep going to the gym, keep running, keep lifting weights even if you’re satisfied with your weight.  Keep eating frequent small meals so as to stay away from any grazing.  With the sleeve gastrectomy, it’s hard to over eat, but it’s still something you should be mindful of.  Generally, patients put back on 10% of the weight lost over time. Set goals and be realistic.  If you want to maintain your weight, make sure others know about it and can help encourage you with healthy meals and hearty exercise.