Enablers and barriers to prevent weight-regain post bariatric surgery – A qualitative enquiry

Challenges in Nutrition Education among Patients undergoing Bariatric Surgery : A narrative review

“…In order for a Bariatric Surgery operation to be deemed effective, there must be a minimum of 50% reduction in excess weight (EWL), which must be maintained for a duration of at least five years (Tzvetkov, 2023). The long-term preservation of surgical success has been recognised as a serious challenge between 18 and 24 months after the surgery (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022). Following Bariatric Surgery, several factors are commonly observed, including the development of eating disorders, the absence of healthy habits, a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and the body's physiological adjustments to anatomical changes in the stomach, intestines, and hormones, which vary depending on the type of surgery performed (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022).…”

“…The long-term preservation of surgical success has been recognised as a serious challenge between 18 and 24 months after the surgery (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022). Following Bariatric Surgery, several factors are commonly observed, including the development of eating disorders, the absence of healthy habits, a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and the body's physiological adjustments to anatomical changes in the stomach, intestines, and hormones, which vary depending on the type of surgery performed (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022). Therefore, psychological support is crucial to help patients navigate these challenges successfully.…”

“…Around 35% of individuals undergo weight regain starting from two years after the surgery. This weight regain can have both physiological and psychological consequences, potentially compromising the overall success of the Bariatric Surgery (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022). One suggested reason for weight regain is the continuation or reemergence of maladaptive eating behaviours.…”

“…Following significant physiological and metabolic adjustments, the process of substantial weight loss reaches a plateau after approximately 12 months, and there is a heightened likelihood of weight rebound. The study by Billing-Bullen et al (2022) focused on a specific time frame between 18 and 21 months post-surgery. During this period, a significant proportion of participants (67%) experienced weight gain.…”

“…Nevertheless, a majority of patients expressed a sense of inadequate support from the bariatric team, particularly during the period of discharge when the task of sustaining weight loss became more difficult. This lack of support was particularly evident as most appointments were primarily scheduled within the initial year following the surgery, when weight loss was at its highest (Billing-Bullen et al, 2022). Even though physiological changes reduced the ability to eat or binge on large volumes of food, the mindset associated with binge eating persisted.…”