Predicting Factors for Weight Regain after Bariatric Surgery

Abstract

Weight regain (WR) after bariatric surgery (BS) is emerging as a common clinical problem due to the increase in the number of procedures performed worldwide. Weight regain is defined as regain of weight that occurs few years after the bariatric procedure and successful achievement of the initial weight loss. Causes of WR following BS are multifactorial and can be categorized into two main groups: patient and surgical-specific causes. Several mechanisms contribute to WR following BS. These include hormonal mechanisms, nutritional non-adherence, physical inactivity, mental health causes, maladaptive eating, surgical techniques, and the selection criteria for the weight loss procedure. Higher preoperative BMI seems to be associated with WR and worse weight loss results in a long term. Patients with baseline BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 are more likely to have significant WR, while those with BMI < 50 are likely to continue losing weight at 12 months post-surgery. The aim of the chapter is to discuss and reveal all main factors, which may contribute to weight regain after bariatric surgery and emphasize how multifactorial assessment and long-term support/follow-up of patients by key medical professionals can diminish the side effects of weight regain.