The Long-Term Success of Bariatric Surgery: How to Maintain Weight Loss and Health

With the rise in obesity rates in the United States, it’s not surprising that the number of weight loss surgery procedures, also called bariatric surgeries, has also climbed in the last decade — people who undergo such procedures typically lose between 30% and 50% of their total body weight.

However, keeping that weight off requires work and discipline. Studies show that most people reach their maximum weight loss in one to three years, and most patients regain about 30% of that weight after 10 years. About 25% of people regain all their lost weight after 10 years.

At Michael Sutker MD, PA, in Dallas and McKinney, Texas, board-certified bariatric surgeon and weight loss specialist Dr. Sutker offers a full scope of bariatric surgery solutions, from sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery to revision weight loss surgery. 

Part of bariatric surgery includes counseling on how to lose weight safely after your procedure, and how to maintain weight loss and health as time goes on. Here, Dr. Sutker shares expert tips on how to ensure long-term weight management success after bariatric surgery.

Prepare for a weight loss plateau

Most people are very motivated to stick to their diet and exercise plans in the first year after surgery when the majority of weight loss occurs. Seeing the number on the scale get lower and lower is gratifying. However, after the first year, most people experience a weight loss plateau or even some weight gain as their body requires fewer calories to maintain their new weight. 

A weight loss plateau may cause you to let your guard down and resume unhealthy eating habits like binging or eating when full. Work with Dr. Sutker to help prevent sliding back into poor eating habits that can lead to weight gain.

Recognize feelings of fullness

Immediately following surgery, you gradually increase the amount you eat and the kind of food you eat, starting with pureed foods and then shifting to about six small meals a day. Eventually, you return to a more typical eating pattern of three healthy meals a day. 

When you change into more typical eating patterns, it’s important to be able to recognize when you’re full and not continue eating. This is a mindshift that you should actively practice over the early weeks and months following surgery. 

Focus on healthy dietary choices

In addition to recognizing fullness, it’s important to get full on healthy, whole foods and not processed foods that are rich in added sugars, saturated fats, and empty calories. 

Healthy dietary choices include lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and colorful fruits and vegetables. Avoid fried, fatty foods as well as high-calorie sugary desserts like cookies, candies, cakes, and sweetened beverages. 

Exercise daily and improve your fitness

Exercise can help you stay motivated and give you more energy to stay the course. Find something you enjoy doing so you’re more likely to stick with it. If you are not a gym person, a sport like tennis or cycling may be more appealing. Try different activities until you find the ones you enjoy most. The bottom line? Even if you simply go for daily walks, try to stay active and keep your body moving. 

Join a weight loss support group

Bariatric support groups can offer the help and advice you need to stick with a healthy eating plan and maintain long-term weight loss. People who attend weight loss surgery support groups are going through the same struggles and have the same goals as you. 

Got questions about bariatric surgery or long-term weight loss maintenance? We have answers. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest Michael Sutker, MD, PA, office in Dallas or McKinney, Texas, today.