Gastric bypass surgery: What happens if I regain the weight?

Gastric bypass surgery usually isn't redone — unless there's a medical complication resulting from the initial procedure. This is because there is a higher rate of complications, such as infection, bleeding or leaks in the gastrointestinal tract, when a second gastric bypass procedure is performed. If you regain the weight that you initially lost after gastric bypass surgery, you typically have to lose the weight the old-fashioned way — by reducing your calorie intake and increasing your physical activity.

The goal of gastric bypass surgery is to promote significant and lasting weight loss in severely overweight individuals who have been unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. However, gastric bypass is not a miracle procedure. It doesn't guarantee that you'll lose all of your excess weight or that you'll keep it off long term. The success of this surgery depends in big part on your commitment to follow a healthy diet and a regular exercise program after gastric bypass.