What is weight regain post-surgery?

Obesity is the UK’s biggest health crisis – one third of the population is classed as obese. Bariatric surgery is highly effective when compared with lifestyle intervention alone, particularly for those who are morbidly obese.

Gastric bypass is a popular form of bariatric surgery and studies have found that most patients will maintain at least a 20% weight loss and almost half will maintain a 30% weight loss after 12 years. However a substantial number of patients (up to 50%) experience complications later down the line, such as weight regain.

Patients who regain weight after bariatric surgery often feel that they have ‘failed’ their last option, leading to a great deal of frustration and even depression.

A problem with the join between the newly created small stomach pouch and intestines (the gut) is a major factor in weight gain after gastric bypass. This join, called the gastrojejunal anastomosis (GJA), can lose its tightness over time meaning the stomach pouch empties too rapidly. This leaves the patient feeling increased hunger and also allows them to increase the volume of food consumed in one meal. It causes weight gain in 35-50% patients.

It can also lead to another major complication called dumping syndrome in about 25-50% patients.