Question:
Has anyone heard of gaining back 20% of the weight?

I have a friend who had wls two years ago. I told her I'm looking into it for myself. That when she told me that she was told by an online group that you will gain 20% of the weight you loos. Has anyone eles heard of this?    — BayLee (posted on July 12, 2001)

July 12, 2001
My surgeon told me that statistically people tend to regain 5% of the weight they lost within 5 years of their surgery.
   — [Anonymous]

July 12, 2001
That's SO hard to say. We were told that we'd settle at the top end of our wt range for our ht with our distal RNY. Those of who have stayed committed to the no milk-no sugar and the high volume protein things have remained at the bottom end of our wt range. I've seen some regain 100% of their wt, even with a distal. I've seen some maintain a very reasonable goal wt with proximals. So, while the type of surgery has some bearing on the long term, so does the regimen. You have to have a good working package deal to see. Also, attending support group meetings which include people done by the surgeon you are considering will tell you what to expect.
   — vitalady

July 13, 2001
I have also heard this range of gaining back. My Dr told me that no one actually "lives" and "feels good" at the weight that they're "supposed" to be at according to the weight tables. Most people feel good if they're 25% over the top weight of the weight tables. I think I'll feel good if I get there!
   — Julie P.

July 28, 2001
I had gastric bypass in 1989 at 310 lbs. I lost down to 195 then regained to about 220. I held at 220 for 9 years until 1998 when I got pregnant and had my son. During pregnancy I gained to 280. after I got back down to 250 but I noticed I could eat anything I wanted with no limit. It was like the surgery wore off or my stomach stretched after back trouble and steroid injections I again ballooned to 284! I am currently seeking a doctor in tampa, fl to possibly re-do my surgery. I am so depressed... I am having this surgery even if my insurance won't cover it. How can it go bad after 10 years?????
   — anne G.

September 2, 2001
Heather, I think late regain is more of a problem with RNY than DS, although I could be wrong. That is one reason I've chosen DS; have you looked into it? Check out duodenalswitch.com. Chris
   — Chris A.

December 5, 2004
I had bypass surgery in Nov 2001. I only lost weight for the first 3 months. Struggled trying to lose more and my doctor was not helpful in aftercare at all. It was really frustrating. I did not have any of the "symptoms" that others in my support group had. I never dumped, could eat all types of foods, did not have a feeling of fullness, did not feel icky or sick if I overate, never had gas, never had any of anything that the other's who had the bypass were experiencing - in fact, some of them asked me if I really had it! It's now been 3 years and I've gained back every pound I lost. I'm now waiting to see a different doctor to see if I can have a revision or perhaps he can at least help determine what went wrong.
   — Michelley