Our Summary

This study looks at the existing research on weight gain after bariatric surgery, a type of surgery that helps people lose weight. The researchers scanned an online database using the terms “bariatric surgery” and “weight gain” to see what kind of studies had been published, who had published them, and what topics they covered. They did not include grey literature, books, or book chapters in their search.

They found a total of 988 articles. The majority of these studies were published in the journal Obesity Surgery and most of them came from the United States. The most commonly mentioned topics were “bariatric surgery,” “obesity,” and “weight regain.” Harvard University had published the most studies on this topic. The year with the most publications was 2022.

The researchers concluded that more focus should be put on the issue of weight regain after bariatric surgery. This is because gaining weight back after the surgery can negatively affect people’s lives, make the surgery less successful, and put more strain on the healthcare system.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary focus of the study regarding weight gain after bariatric surgery?
  2. How many articles were found related to bariatric surgery and weight gain, and where were most of them published?
  3. Why do the researchers suggest placing more focus on the issue of weight regain after bariatric surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain weight loss and prevent weight regain. It is important to make long-term lifestyle changes to ensure the success of the surgery and maintain a healthy weight. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are also crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. These patients have typically tried other weight loss methods without success and are at a high risk for obesity-related health problems. Additionally, candidates for obesity surgery should be committed to making lifestyle changes and be medically fit for surgery.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss weight loss options
  2. Patient undergoes various assessments and tests to determine eligibility for surgery
  3. Patient attends counseling sessions to understand the risks and benefits of surgery
  4. Patient follows a prescribed diet and exercise regimen to prepare for surgery

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to reduce the size of the stomach
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the hospital for any complications
  3. Patient follows a strict diet plan post-surgery to facilitate weight loss
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with healthcare providers for monitoring and support
  5. Patient gradually reintroduces regular foods into their diet under guidance
  6. Patient continues to make lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and healthy eating habits
  7. Patient may experience weight loss and improvements in overall health and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery include:

  1. What are the different types of bariatric surgery and which one is best for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with obesity surgery?
  3. How much weight can I expect to lose after the surgery?
  4. What kind of lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after the surgery?
  5. How will my eating habits need to change after the surgery?
  6. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to take any supplements or medications after the surgery?
  8. How likely am I to experience weight regain after the surgery?
  9. What can I do to prevent weight regain after the surgery?
  10. Are there any support groups or resources available to help me through the weight loss journey after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Seckin D, Cebeci F. Journal: Obes Surg. 2024 Mar;34(3):929-939. doi: 10.1007/s11695-024-07055-1. Epub 2024 Jan 16. PMID: 38228946