Is Bariatric Surgery Permanent – Will I Regain Weight Later?
Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic problem—it’s a serious medical condition that can put you at risk for diabetes, heart trouble, sleep apnea, and joint problems, among other health issues. For those who’ve lost weight before, with only temporary success, bariatric surgery offers a scientifically proven, long-term solution. But there’s still one question that so many want to know: “Is bariatric surgery permanent?” And just as crucial: “Will I gain weight back?”
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a set of operations on the digestive system that helps patients lose significant weight. It is suggested for patients with a BMI of 40 or higher or for patients who suffer from a life-threatening problem, such as obesity. It results in substantial and enduring weight loss, metabolic normalization, and, in some cases, reverses the condition of type 2 diabetes.
The main types are
Sleeve gastrectomy: About 80% of the stomach is removed, which reduces the sensation of hunger.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: A small stomach pouch is created, and then a new connection from the pouch to the small intestine is constructed.
Mini gastric bypass: A less complicated version of the traditional bypass with comparable results.
Gastric banding: A band is placed around the upper part of the stomach (far less common these days).
These surgeries assist in two major ways:
- Restricting food intake
- Reducing nutrient absorption
Is Bariatric Surgery Permanent?
It’s a common question that comes to mind after the bariatric surgery. The answer lies in how it works. The concept of surgery is that it alters the digestive system to restrict both the amount of food that can be eaten and nutrient absorption. These are changes that can cause considerable weight loss over time. But while any physical changes produced in surgery tend to last, the results are not automatic or guaranteed to be permanent.
The key to this surgery is how much the patient changes to adapt to the new life, like exercising regularly and following medical advice strictly. And without these, no surgery can prevent you from gaining back the weight in the future.
Will I Regain Weight After Bariatric Surgery?
This is the most valid reason that leads to the answer to the question, Is bariatric surgery permanent?. So the truth is, if the patient maintains their weight, then this surgery can be permanent.
Let’s see first why weight regain happens:
- Eating calorie-dense, processed foods is like consuming food that is high in sugar, fat, and calories.
- Lack of physical activity means you follow a sedentary lifestyle with no physical activity, no workout, exercise, etc.
- Drinking high-calorie beverages, especially alcohol or protein shakes, can interfere with this surgery and lead to complications.
- If you are feeling emotional, then it leads to stress, depression, and anxiety, which further leads to overeating, causing excessive calorie intake.
- Water after every meal, as eating a large portion can increase the stomach pouch over time.
- Medical Conditions or Hormonal Imbalances.
Here are some tips to prevent weight regain after bariatric surgery:
Decide on Healthy Eating:
- Eat protein-rich, whole foods.
- Stay off the sugars and simple carbs.
- Don’t eat when you’re full—listen to your body.
Exercise Regularly:
- Try to achieve at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Add weight training to maintain some muscle mass.
- You can walk, swim, do yoga, exercise, etc.
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink at least 8 liters of water throughout the day.
- Stay away from sugary drinks and sodas. Drink
- Don’t drink liquids with meals—it dilates the stomach pouch.
Don’t Skip Follow-Ups:
- Your physician can monitor nutritional status, trends in weight, and provide counseling.
- Supplementation of vitamins and minerals is crucial after surgery.
Address Emotional Eating:
- Join a support group or talk to a therapist.
- Learn mindful eating habits.
- Differentiate between hunger and emotional triggers.
In conclusion, if you want surgery to be permanent, then follow these four things, which are:
- Medical monitoring for nutrient deficiencies
- Mental health support
- Lifestyle coaching
- Dietitian consultations.
About Dr. Nandakishore Dukkipati
Dr. Nandakishore Dukkipati, Chief Surgeon at LivLife Hospitals, Hyderabad, is an expert in laparoscopic and bariatric surgery with a fellowship from U.T. Southwestern, Dallas. He offers advanced treatments like weight loss, hernia, and piles surgery, helping patients regain health and confidence through expert care and proven surgical solutions.
Why Choose Bariatric Surgery in Hyderabad at LivLife Hospitals?
If you are searching for bariatric surgery in Hyderabad, LivLife Hospitals stands out with
- A highly experienced team
- Advanced surgical technology
- Personalized aftercare program
- High success rates.
Whether it’s sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or any bypass surgery, LivLife offers the complete solution under one roof.
Read Also:- Bariatric Surgery in Young Adults
