I had a gastric bypass and I don't lose weight: 5 reasons why this can happen

I had a gastric bypass but did not lose weight.

Having a gastric bypass and not losing weight is one of the major concerns of those who undergo this procedure. bariatric surgeryLogically, if you do this operation, it is in your interest to make sure that you will achieve results. 

As I'm sure you know, the gastric bypass is a bariatric surgery that helps people with obesity lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and small intestine. It is a highly effective procedure that can help people lose 60 to 80% of their excess weight. But what if that doesn't happen?

It is important to keep in mind that gastric bypass is not a solution to all obesity problems. It is a procedure that requires lifestyle changes to achieve the desired results.

If you've had a gastric bypass and you're not losing weight, it's important to identify the cause of the problem. Here are five reasons why this may occur:

1. You do not follow your bariatric surgeon's instructions.

Gastric bypass is a complex procedure that requires constant follow-up by a team of specialists, including your bariatric surgeon

Your bariatric surgeon will give you a series of indications that you should follow to maximize the results of the surgery.

If you don't follow their guidelines strictly, you may not lose weight effectively. Some of the indications include:

  • Follow a healthy and balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements.

In addition, remember to attend periodic check-ups to analyze how your body is evolving after the operation and to avoid complications.

2. Your diet is not ideal

A healthy, balanced diet is essential for weight loss after gastric bypass. Your diet should include a variety of nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

If your diet is not ideal, you may not be getting the nutrients you need to lose enough weight. It is even possible that, because of a poor diet, you may regain some of the weight you have lost. That's why it's so important to watch what you eat after a bypass. 

Some of the things to avoid in your diet include:

  • Processed foods.
  • Foods with high sugar content.
  • Foods with high fat content.
  • High-calorie foods.

However, the diet is something that is tailored to your needs, and that your bariatric surgeon will define exactly so that you know what to eat and what to avoid in your case.

The main mistake many patients make is that they focus on not consuming too many calories when what they are really looking for is to balance their diet.

3. You do not exercise enough

Exercise is an essential part of weight loss. after gastric bypass. Exercise helps burn calories and improve overall health.

After the operation you will lose quite a lot of muscle mass. If, apart from the low protein intake, you do not exercise to tone your body, you will probably not achieve the expected results.

Keep in mind that exercises should be moderate at first, you should avoid intense exercise, as it can cause injuries.

Some bariatricians advise swimming, resistance bands, use of small weights, etc.

It is recommended that you perform at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Always with the instruction of a professional and under the supervision of your bariatric surgeon.

4. You eat too fast or eat less

Two pretty bad vices, eating too fast can cause you to eat more than you need.

After a gastric bypass, it is important to eat slowly and chew your food well. Not only so that your stomach resents it, but to make sure you don't pick up a habit that can prevent you from losing weight effectively.

Similarly, eating less will not make you lose weight faster, you must eat specifically what is recommended by the bariatric surgeon.

The gastric bypass already regulates the amounts you can eat, so you will feel full with less food, making it unnecessary and risky to try to reduce even more what you eat each day.

5. You're going back to the habits that made you fat in the first place.

If you are going back to the habits that made you fat, you probably won't get the weight loss you expect. Avoiding the bad habits that caused obesity is essential for you to be healthy and for gastric bypass to work.

Coming out of bariatric surgery can change your life. But the operation is not enough, you must leave bad habits behind to ensure that you not only lose weight at the ideal rate, but that you truly regain your health.

Gastric bypass can help you lose a lot of weight, and it can be the definitive answer to your struggle with being overweight, but it is not a magic solution. If you want it to work, you will have to watch your habits and follow your bariatric surgeon's instructions. Do it, and you will notice that the results are worth it.

Dr Cristóbal Garza Bariatric Surgeon

Dr. Cristobal Garza

Soy un cirujano bariatra certificado por el Colegio Mexicano de Cirugía para la Obesidad. En los últimos 10 años he ayudado a más de 3500 pacientes a superar su obesidad y tener una vida más feliz y saludable.

2 Comments

  1. Hello, I had a gastric bypass surgery and I have been operated for two weeks and I lost 5 kilos but I gained a kilo and a half again and I don't know what is going on.

    1. Hello, Salome!

      The ideal would be to assess your case carefully to locate the reasons.

      You can send us a WhatsApp message to +528781157532 to receive more information on how we can help you.

      You can also communicate with us through any of the channels we offer you in our contact page.

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