5 Causes of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery

5 Causes of Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery


Find out how some precautions are important to prevent the rebound effect after the procedure

Bariatric surgery is one of the fastest growing procedures in Brazil. In 2023, 80,441 operations of this type were performed, according to data from the ANS (National Integrative Health Agency) and DATASUS (IT Department of the Unified Health System).




In addition to being effective in treating obesity, the results obtained help fight associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular problems. However, what worries experts in the field is the rebound effect, i.e. when the person regains weight even after the operation.

According to Dr. Marcelo Carneiro, bariatric surgeon of the Obesicenter and doctor of the reality Kilos Mortais Brasil, rebounding can have a metabolic cause, in which the body itself does not tolerate weight loss. “In this case the patient gets the opposite effect and, instead of eating less, he starts eating more,” he emphasizes.

Metabolic condition may be a factor, but it is post-operative lifestyle habits that are most conducive to weight regain. To find out how to have an effective treatment and what to avoid in the process, follow the list of the main causes of rebound listed by Dr. Marcelo Carneiro!

1. Sedentary lifestyle

Surgery facilitates weight loss, but it is the physical exercise which brings results and strengthens the body. Regular physical activity helps balance calorie expenditure and maintain lean body mass, which is essential for the success of long-term bariatric surgery.

2. Consumption of high-calorie and ultra-processed foods

If one returns to consuming ultra-processed foods, the patient will increase their intake of empty calories, making it difficult to maintain weight. Foods high in sugar and fat will also help increase the numbers on the scale.

3. Lack of psychological support

The person who passed bariatric we need to change our mentality. The relationship with food is complex and often involves emotional factors. This is why psychological support is so important, as it helps to understand emotional triggers and avoid relapses.



A protein deficiency can lead to a lack of control over satiety

4. Low protein intake

After surgery, the body needs more protein to maintain lean mass. Lack of this nutrient can lead to lack of control over satiety, leading to excessive consumption of other foods.

5. Lack of awareness of the process

When they reach their desired weight, many patients distance themselves from their doctor’s advice, forgetting that obesity is a chronic disease and that surgery requires a lifelong commitment. Follow-up with a doctor specializing in the treatment of obesity and a nutritionist should be regular.

“Surgery is an extremely effective tool for weight loss and improve the quality of life, but, to sustain the results, a series of actions that go beyond the procedure are necessary”, concludes Dr. Marcelo Carneiro.

By Eduarda Pires

Source: Terra

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