Bariatric surgery, especially gastric sleeve surgery, is increasingly preferred as an effective and permanent method for treating obesity. However, some individuals may experience weight regain one year after surgery. This is mostly related to dietary mistakes.
Why Do You Gain Weight After a Year?
The first year after gastric bypass surgery is usually a period of rapid weight loss. However, after this period, the metabolic rate slows down, the stomach volume may partially expand, and the person may begin to show signs of returning to their old eating habits.
Weight gain after gastric sleeve surgery is generally related to the following factors:
- Not paying attention to eating habits
- Loss of portion control
- Low-protein diet
- High-calorie snacks
- Lack of physical activity
- Emotional eating tendencies
All these factors make weight control difficult over time. In particular, nutritional mistakes after bariatric surgery increase the risk of regaining weight after a year.
Most Common Nutritional Mistakes
Weight control after gastric sleeve surgery is sustainable not only through stomach reduction surgery but also through lifestyle changes. However, many people may unknowingly make some mistakes.
Loss of Portion Control
In the early months, the stomach is quite small, and individuals naturally feel full after eating small portions. However, over time, the stomach can expand, and individuals may increase their portion sizes without realizing it.
Losing control of portion sizes not only strains the stomach but also increases calorie intake, leading to weight gain.
Sugary and High-Calorie Beverages
Sugary drinks consumed in liquid form (fruit juices, ready-made smoothies, carbonated drinks) do not provide satiety because they pass through the stomach quickly. However, they can cause significant weight gain due to their high calorie content.
These types of beverages can also increase the risk of dumping syndrome. This is one of the most common mistakes made in post-gastric bypass diets in the long term.
Insufficient Protein Intake and Muscle Loss
Insufficient protein intake not only makes weight control difficult, but also slows down metabolism by causing muscle loss.
Low protein intake also leads to a decrease in satiety and makes a person feel hungry more often. This increases the tendency to snack unnecessarily.
The daily protein requirement after gastric sleeve surgery should generally be between 60 and 80 grams. This requirement may vary depending on the person’s age, weight, and activity level.
Excessive Consumption of Snacks
Frequent consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient snacks increases total calorie intake. Products such as chocolate, chips, and crackers do not fill the stomach and can be addictive.
Some individuals may confuse eating frequently with the recommendation to “eat often but in small amounts.” However, the goal here is to consume protein-rich, controlled snacks that supplement main meals.
Confusion Between Psychological Hunger and Real Hunger
Emotional eating habits may continue even after gastric bypass surgery. In particular, situations such as stress, anxiety, loneliness, or distress may cause individuals to turn to food.
While physical hunger is a physiological need, psychological hunger arises as an emotional response. It is important to be aware of this difference and seek professional psychological support if necessary.
Lack of Physical Activity
Exercises performed after gastric sleeve surgery are essential for both weight control and muscle mass maintenance. However, some individuals may lose their motivation over time.
Lack of physical activity leads to calories not being burned, muscle loss, and a decrease in metabolic rate. In the long term, this makes it easier to regain weight.
Ways to Correct Mistakes
It is possible to prevent weight regain one year after gastric sleeve surgery. Some strategies are quite effective for this:
- Re-learn portion control: Use small plates, eat slowly, and pay attention to feelings of fullness.
- Keep a food diary: Writing down what you eat increases awareness and prevents poor food choices.
- Focus on protein: Make sure every meal includes high-quality protein (eggs, yogurt, chicken, fish).
- Avoid sugary drinks: Choose plain water, unsweetened herbal teas, and kefir.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your life: At least 3-4 days a week of walking, light weight training, or yoga is recommended.
- Develop emotional eating awareness: You can manage stress through meditation, breathing exercises, or psychological support.
- Seek professional support: Bariatric dietitians and psychologists can offer personalized solutions during this process.
Conclusion
Weight gain after gastric bypass surgery is often caused by the accumulation of small but significant mistakes that are made unconsciously. However, this situation is reversible and can be controlled.
Recognizing nutritional mistakes early on, developing sustainable healthy habits, and seeking professional support when needed are critical to long-term success.
The bariatric surgery nutrition process does not end after surgery; in fact, it is just beginning. Consciously managing this process is the most powerful tool for making the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery permanent.
