A recent study by Courcoulas et al titled “Patient behavior and Characteristics Related to Weight Regain after Roux-en-Y gastric Bypass” highlights certain behaviors associated with weight regain years after bariatric surgery. This is a large prospective study of 1278 adults who underwent bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2009 with annual and semi-annual follow-ups s for up to 7 years. Median weight loss was 37% of pre-surgery weight while median weight regain was 25% from nadir. The authors found that a sedentary lifestyle and fast food consumption were independent risk factors for weight regain. Similarly, continuous eating, eating when full and binge eating contributed to weight regain.

At Houston weight Loss Surgery Center, I stress the importance of changing behavior, food culture, and eating habits to maintain weight loss after bariatric surgery. Weight loss surgery alters gastrointestinal hormones like GLP-1 and PYY that improve blood sugar control, increase satiety and promote weight loss. Poor eating habits, like fast food consumption, after weight loss surgery, ruin these beneficial hormonal changes leading to weight regain. Long-term weight loss maintenance following weight loss surgery depends on a healthy lifestyle. As the study by Courcoulas el al shows, avoiding processed food and a sedentary lifestyle constitute one of the components of healthy living.