Expected weight gain after surgery

Dear Dr. C: I am 3 years out since my surgery. My orginal weight loss was 112 lbs. I have put on about 12lbs even though I watch what I eat and exercise. Is this normal? What percentage of people who have had bariatric surgery gain weight and what is the average gain? What, if anything should I be doing to correct this? Regards, Jimmie

by the way this isn't me asking the question, it's a friend of mine.. I've managed to stay the same for 2 years

Hi Jimmie!!!!

Jimmie, I was told to expect to gain between 10 and 15 LBs back....not a big deal as long as you keep it all in perspective with the weight you have lost. Pam

Dr C told me to expect a weight gain of 15-20 pounds. Well I got it back and I am happy where I am. I had gotten to skinny! Who would have thought!?! I went to a scrap crop the other day and ran into a woman I used to work with who had gained back all of her weight. Scared the daylights out of me! She said that she just couldn't give up all of her old favorites. Me I'm thinking that I can't give up my size 8's and be that unhealthy again! I watched her struggle to walk, get up from her chair and all of the things that go with being overweight. Even though the crop lasted 12 hours and I enjoyed the heck out of it, I made myself stop for a while and take my walks just like any other day. Seeing my old friend was enough for me to realize that this dream could end if I didn't do what my doctor said. I wish that I could have said to my friend to get back on the program, but you can't tell people what they already know. Good luck to her!