Just joined

[sweettea65]

I had Gastric Bypass Surgery in 2011 and lost weight, did great until recently sadly I have gained it back due to Mental health issues . I am working hard on those and now see that I need to work on the major weight gain, I joined here in hopes others are in the same boat as me, and can relate to this.

 

[StephT]

Welcome! You maintained your weight loss for years before the regain which means that your surgery worked and that you were doing many things right. The next chapter of your journey starts today! Searching for support 5 years post surgery is how I found my way to this group.

I've noticed that a lot of time is spent preparing people for bariatric surgery and for a few months after, but much less time is spent talking about years 5, 10, and 15. Life happens. Stress happens. Hormones change. Health conditions develop. Habits evolve. It's not uncommon for people to need additional support long after surgery.

I'm glad you are reaching out now. Weight regain doesn't erase the success you had, and it doesn't mean there's nothing that can be done. Sometimes it's a matter of getting back to basics, working with a dietitian or therapist, or medical or metabolic factors that need to be addressed.

I think bariatric patients would benefit from much more long-term follow-up and support than most programs provide. This is a lifelong journey, and people shouldn't feel like they're on their own once the first year is over.