One of the most common questions bariatric patients ask is, “Will I regain my weight?" Everyone considering bariatric surgery naturally has this concern. Certainly, the answer is complicated.
Statistics show that only 1-2% of patients who meet the criteria for weight loss surgery are successful in losing their excess weight with diet, exercise or medication alone. With weight loss surgery, 85% of patients are successful in maintaining at least 50% excess weight loss.
Weight loss surgery is a tool that helps patients lose weight and maintain their weight loss, but it does not do all the work. It helps patients feel full with a small amount of food. To maintain weight loss, bariatric surgery patients must take advantage of this.
Having weight loss surgery is not taking the easy way out; maintaining weight loss is, unquestionably, hard work. We encourage our patients to stay in touch by coming for follow-up appointments and attending our support groups. This helps keep them accountable to someone other than themselves, provides peer support, keeps the rules for success top of mind and gives us the opportunity to share new information with them.
Please remember that if you are struggling with your weight, don’t be embarrassed to ask us for help. We are here for you with a shared goal of helping you achieve a happier, healthier life.
