Why Do People Gain Weight After a Gastric Bypass?

About 7 years ago I had a gastric bypass. I wasn't as heavy as many who have this surgery and after losing about 70 pounds I looked and felt great. I and my doctors had hoped that having the surgery would cure my diabetes but it did not. Today I have regained about 30 pounds of that loss. Among my friends and patients who have had the surgery more than 5 years ago, almost everyone has had a significant weight gain.

The one reason I can identify that is common to all is that the surgery does not take away the habit of eating for self soothing. Most overweight people eat when they are not hungry. Most of them will tell you they have never been hungry. I have always likened overeating to an addiction and Overeaters Anonymous would agree. The surgery does not address this issue. So for the first few years the limited capacity of the new stomach reduces intake and causes weight loss. But people continue to overeat and often feel nauseous and even throw up after they eat. Each time this happens the pouch is stretched just a little until after a few years it actually is almost the same size that the original stomach was. People who have used food to help them feel better when they are angry, sad, happy, mad, or any other mood will continue to do so. And the weight comes back easily.

Overweight people are not notoriously those who exercise. After the surgery many begin to exercise and may do so for a few years. But it's hard to really make a lifestyle change that has you exercising several times a week, and I have found that most people stop after a year or two.

Food choice is also an issue. Overeaters like fattening food. Again, the first few years brings an enthusiasm which allows them to feel good about restricting the sweet and fatty foods they liked in the past. But in time the desire for those food returns and the weight comes on.

Stress has always been a killer for those watching their weight. People eat when they are stressed and many of my friends and patients are out of work or feel concerned about their finances. Financial problems often lead to marital problems and other family problems. Being unemployed will lead to increase caloric intake and if you have had a gastric by-pass this will result in weight gain and other uncomfortable side effects. Dumping syndrome is one very significant side effect www.associatedcontent.com/article/2557557/living_with_dumping_syndrome_after.html.

Doctors tell you when you are preparing for the surgery that you should expect some weight gain over time. How much you gain will relate to the lifestyle changes you make as well as how much stress and problems life brings.