Why weight gain after bariatric surgery isn’t failure
Medical experts clarify that weight regain after bariatric surgery is a common physiological occurrence rather than a sign of personal failure. Studies indicate that while some regain is expected, the surgery remains highly effective for long-term health management.
Why it matters
Understanding the biological reality of post-surgical weight management helps reduce the stigma and psychological distress experienced by patients.
Bariatric surgery is typically recommended for individuals with severe obesity who haven't been able to lose weight or maintain it through diet and exercise alone. (Envato Elements pic)
KUALA LUMPUR: Regaining weight after bariatric surgery can be discouraging, but doctors say it does not mean the procedure has failed.
According to Dr Loo Guo Hou, a specialist with the upper GI, bariatric and metabolic surgery unit at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM), a degree of weight regain is common after patients reach their lowest weight following surgery.
While there is no standard definition for post-bariatric weight regain, studies suggest that between a fifth and a quarter of patients regain more than 15% of their body weight within five years of undergoing gastric bypass surgery or sleeve gastrectomy.
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