Weight loss after bariatric surgery can be managed with the use of health measures.

Bariatric surgery is a word used to describe surgical techniques that help people lose weight by altering their digestive systems. The word "bariatric surgery" can refer to a number of operations, including gastric bypass and other weight-loss procedures.

Bariatric surgery is now the most effective option for achieving long-term weight loss. However, many individuals who have had bariatric surgery tend to gain weight after 2 to 3 years. Here's how to keep it in good shape.

Bariatric surgery, according to health professionals, is one of the greatest treatment options for "controlling" obesity since it allows patients to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off for a longer period of time than other weight loss procedures such as diets. Obesity, like type 2 diabetes and hypertension, is a chronic medical condition that requires long-term therapy; therefore, regular follow-up is critical for optimal long-term results.

One of the main worries that patients have before undergoing bariatric surgery is weight regain. Weight loss is linked to an increase in quality of life, associated co-morbidities, and general confidence, whereas weight gain is linked to a decrease in all of the above.

"Bariatric surgery is currently the most successful way for sustained weight loss in the long term," said Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker, a laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Saifee Hospital, Apollo Spectra, Namaha, and Currae Hospitals in Mumbai, in an interview with HT Lifestyle. However, many individuals who have had bariatric surgery tend to gain weight after 2 to 3 years. The amount of weight increase is vary and is influenced by a variety of factors."

She listed the following as some of these factors:

1. Hormonal and metabolic factors - Bariatric surgery causes an increase in certain gastrointestinal hormones such as GLP-1, PYY, GIP, and others, which increase satiety and decrease hunger. Ghrelin, an appetite hormone, reduces as well, resulting in a reduction in food intake. However, the effects of these changes fade over time, resulting in some weight recovery.

2. Non-compliance with dietary guidelines - Obese people are more likely to gain weight than people of normal weight. As a result, the quality of your diet after bariatric surgery is crucial. A reasonably balanced diet is needed, and high-calorie foods, snacks, junk food, sugary sweets and beverages, alcohol, and other substances should be avoided. Nutritional counselling and follow-up are beneficial. Nutritional counselling and regular follow-up aid in the transition to a healthy lifestyle for patients.

3. Physical inactivity - Patients who are physically active are more likely to keep their weight loss for a longer time. Following bariatric surgery, insufficient activity and a sedentary lifestyle might lead to weight gain. There may be joint difficulties or other mobility issues that contribute to insufficient exercise levels in some circumstances. Patients with this condition are also more likely to acquire weight.

4. Mental health issues - Patients with mental health issues may experience psychological difficulties that impede weight loss. Inadequate weight loss and weight return can also be caused by a lack of ambition, depression, and some antidepressant medicines. After surgery, eating disorders such as binge eating can persist or resurface, and can contribute to weight gain.

5. Factors associated to surgery - The tissues in the body are elastic by nature and can expand over time. This differs from one patient to the next. In bypass procedures, it also depends on the initial size of the stomach pouch, the degree of mal-absorption, and the size of the anastomosis. It's possible that a gastro-gastric fistula is the cause of weight gain in some cases.

6. Medications - Antidepressants, oral contraceptives, immune suppressants, steroids, and other medications may be prescribed for some patients and may contribute to weight gain.

Is it possible to control weight gain after bariatric surgery?

Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker disclosed a few weight-loss tactics that can be used after bariatric surgery. These are some of them:

1. Regular Follow up - Bariatric surgery should be done on a bi-annual or annual basis. It aids in the management of dietary inadequacies as well as the maintena Regular nce of weight loss. Patients who have frequent interaction with the bariatric team are more likely to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

2. Attending support group meetings – Most bariatric teams have regular support group sessions for people who have undergone bariatric surgery. Patients connect with one another at these gatherings, which leads to motivation, inspiration, and increased enthusiasm for starting or maintaining healthy habits.

3. Self-weight monitoring - Patients should be encouraged to weigh themselves once every 15 days at home. They must be educated about weight regain, and if the weight begins to rise above the baseline weight, they must contact the bariatric team promptly.

4. Diet and physical exercise - If you've gained a little amount of weight, dietary changes and a greater emphasis on physical activity may help you get back to your lowest weight. This should only be done under the direction of a competent dietician and exercise professional.

5. Weight loss medications - If diet and lifestyle changes aren't enough to help you lose weight, certain medications can be added to the mix. The bariatric team can recommend medications that can help you drop 10 to 15 kilogrammes in a few months. For best results, weight reduction drugs should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

6. Endoscopic measures - can be utilised to enlarge the stomach pouch or the anastomosis in cases of anatomical difficulties connected to surgery.

7. Revisional bariatric surgery - This may be considered if there has been a significant weight gain or if co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes have resurfaced. During revision procedures, the previous bariatric technique is frequently replaced with a more powerful procedure.

"Obesity can be efficiently controlled," Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker said, "but the key is to understand that patients with obesity require life-long support." Bariatric surgery is simply one piece of the weight-loss puzzle. Weight growth is unavoidable, but it can be managed using the measures listed above, which are frequently used in tandem. The key to long-term success after bariatric surgery is regular follow-up and good compliance."