Your body will probably require some time to adjust to stopping birth control pills, regardless of how long you have been taking them—you might have been using them for only a few months or more. The symptoms you may encounter might range greatly, from drastically altered hormone levels to a monthly cycle that resembles the one you had before taking the pill [1].

Remember that only barrier contraceptives, like condoms, can shield you from STDs and that, after stopping taking the pill, you’ll need to use another method of birth control to prevent unintended pregnancy [1].

How birth control pills work

Contraception pills work to forestall pregnancy in a couple of ways:

• The chemicals in the pills can prevent your ovaries from delivering a full grown egg. This development of a full grown egg is called ovulation. You can’t become pregnant on the off chance that you don’t ovulate on the grounds that there’s no egg for sperm to prepare [2].
• The chemicals in both the mix pills and minipills make a development of bodily fluid on the covering of your cervix. This bodily fluid is tacky and can keep sperm from entering your cervix [2].

What happens to your body when after stoping taking the pill?

In the long run

Most people eventually feel better after stopping taking the pill, especially if they stopped because of side effects [4].

The benefits of your natural cycle will eventually become apparent when stopping the pill. The “period” you experienced while taking birth control was in fact a hormonal withdrawal bleed from the synthetic hormones in the birth control. Actually, the birth control completely turned off your “real” menstrual cycle. The birth control pills provided you with consistent doses of drug versions of those hormones rather than the monthly fluctuations that occur naturally in hormone levels [4].

• Natural progesterone

The progestins found in the pill, which are a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone, are not as beneficial as the real thing. Natural progesterone promotes libido, preserves skin, eases anxiety, lowers inflammation, and safeguards the brain [3].

• An additional vital sign

Because it indicates an individual’s underlying health status, the menstrual cycle is sometimes referred to as the “fifth vital sign” [3]. Periods of pain or difficulty are your body’s way of alerting you to an issue. It’s a potent window into your health because it may be the first (and occasionally the only) clear sign that something is wrong with your system [3].

In the short term

When stopping hormonal birth control, the short term is typically the most difficult. There may be symptoms after taking a pill, which can include:

• Restarting your period

Your body will naturally return to having periods at a time that is entirely unique and subjective. While most women get their period back in four weeks, some take up to several months to resume [1].

Your periods may be irregular for a while even if they do start right away, particularly if they were irregular before you started taking birth control. Before they even get their period, some women start to spotting, and others notice that their menstrual flow has changed in intensity or volume [1]. Your body should regain its regular rhythm and your periods should return to normal after a few menstrual cycles [2].

• Changes to your period 

Most medical experts advise against stopping your birth control in the middle of your cycle. Rather, you ought to complete your pack rather than start a new one [2].

This facilitates your body’s easier transition back into its normal cycle. If stopping mid-pack, that is, before the time when you would typically get your period, it might take your body longer to return to its normal cycle [2].

Additionally, cramps and spotting may start as soon as two days after your last birth control pill if stopping in the middle of your cycle. Your body will rid itself of the birth control hormones in two days. Your cycle will attempt to restart once they’re gone [2]. The majority of symptoms that appear after stopping birth control in the middle of a pack are temporary [2].

Most people’s ovaries and menstrual cycle revert to “normal” (pre birth control) after 90 days of stopping birth control that contains estrogen and progestin. If someone started on birth control to get a lighter period, stopping it could cause their prior heavy period to come back. Moreover, if you took birth control to relieve your menstrual cramps, you will probably still get them throughout your period after stopping the birth control [3]. 

• Skin

Acne may be caused by a hormonal imbalance or fluctuation, which may provide additional reasons for using birth control. Birth control aids in reducing the body’s testosterone levels, which helps to heal acne breakouts. Upon discontinuing birth control and eliminating synthetic hormones from your body, the initial skin issues can resurface [3]. 

• Emotional Changes

You may experience sudden increases in libido when quitting birth control, so be ready for some shifts in your desire levels. Because hormonal birth control lowers libido in women, be mindful that stopping it could release those hormones once more [1].

Does Birth Control Make You Gain Weight?

Although there is little scientific evidence to back up the common belief that stopping birth control causes weight gain, some studies have even concluded that it is unlikely for hormonal birth control to cause any appreciable weight gain [5]. Any weight gain is usually more likely to be caused by other factors, like aging and dietary and activity changes [5]. Hormones may cause fluid retention or increased appetite in certain people, which explains any weight gains they may encounter.

It is improbable that the majority of birth control methods will significantly affect weight gain. Numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that hormonal birth control does not generally cause weight gain [5].

Weight gain was not associated with hormone dosage, according to a review of 45 studies looking at the effects of various hormonal birth control methods on weight gain. Furthermore, the study concludes that significant weight gain due to hormonal birth control is extremely unlikely [5].

Other Potential Reasons for Weight Gain

Since stopping birth control is usually not the cause of weight gain, it’s important to look into additional potential causes:

• Aging: Getting older can cause a number of changes that can have an impact on weight gain, making it a common cause of weight gain. For example, people start losing muscle every year when they reach middle age, which affects the rate at which calories are burned, which could end in weight gain [5].
• Dietary and activity changes: Diet and activity levels are important factors that influence weight gain. The primary cause of weight gain, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is an imbalance between calories burned through physical activity and calories consumed [5].
• Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can also result in weight gain. Research has shown that individuals who sleep less are more likely to be overweight or obese because of weight gain, in part because hormones released during sleep help regulate appetite and energy use [5].
• Some medical conditions: A few medical conditions, including Cushing syndrome, a thyroid that is not functioning properly, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), can also cause weight gain [5].
• Medications: Weight gain has been linked to a number of medications, including antidepressants, certain corticosteroids, and medications for seizures [5].

Contact Us Today

Our team is ready to help you. At LIMARP, patients will always receive warm, sincere and professional answers. For a free evaluation please call us at (619) 270 8823, fill out a contact form at our website, or message through any of our social media pages.

References

1. Interactive, B. (2020, September 8). What You Need to Know When Going Off the Pill. Walnut Hill OBGYN. https://walnuthillobgyn.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-when-going-off-the-pill/
2. Holland, K. (2019, March 8). What to Expect When Stopping Birth Control Mid Pack. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/stopping-birth-control-mid-pack#reasons-for-stopping-mid-pack
3. The Effects of Stopping Birth Control — Sexual Health Alliance. (2022, August 12). Sexual Health Alliance. https://sexualhealthalliance.com/nymphomedia-blog/the-effects-of-stopping-birth-control
4. Ldn, C. M. R. (2021, July 16). Coming Off of Birth Control? Here’s Your Guide To Preventing Side Effects of Stopping Birth Control Pills. De Lune. https://www.delune.co/blogs/blog/coming-off-of-birth-control-here-s-your-guide-to-preventing-side-effects-of-stopping-birth-control-pills
5. Stanek, B. (2023, November 7). Does Birth Control Make You Gain Weight? Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/womens-health/does-birth-control-make-you-gain-weight/

The overweight and obesity issue is worldwide considered an epidemic and, consequently, a public health problem [1]. A significant portion of the total overweight and obese population can be found in obesogenic cultures and nations, where the condition causes a great total number of malnutrition and deaths. Overweight and obesity results in approximately 2.8 million deaths every year [2].

Defined as a person whose body mass index (BMI) is >30 kg/m2, the population with overweight and obesity have grown exponentially since 1980, where in 2014 at least 13% worldwide experienced these issues [1]. The conditions are known to be high risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders and even some types of cancers [2].

Although known to be a result of a myriad of genetic and environmental factors [1], the source of overweight and obesity can be—vaguely—summarized in an energetic or caloric imbalance being ingested and used [2]. However this may be, it is also known that psychological and emotional elements influence this matter by modulating metabolic and immunological functions through chronic experience of negative emotions, such as anxiety and stress; evidencing, thus, the influence of stress on overweight and obesity.

What is Stress?

In nueroendocrine terms, stress acts by liberating cortisol, a powerful steroid hormone, from the adrenal cortex into the circulation that follows by the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) [3]. Stress may activate itself, for example, during a physical injury or perceived psychological threat. It is a body response additional to its basic homeostatic mechanism that provides a better chance at survival when the body is under treat, mobilizing neural and hormonal networks that optimize cognitive, cardiovascular, immunological and metabolic functions [4].

Exposure to repeated or chronic stress has a detrimental effect on various aspects and processes of a given organism’s physiology, such as in the functioning of the nervous system, growth and development, metabolism and body composition, reproductive function and immune system function [5]. Acute elevations in cortisol levels are beneficial as it encourages survival adaptation—as part of a flight-or-flight mechanism.

Nevertheless, being exposed to chronic high stress will revert such benefits and more se promote maladaptation, such as in developing forms of cancer, mental health disorders, susceptibility to infections, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and/or obesity [4] depending, of course, on the timing and quantity of cortisol exposure.

Stress is good, since it activates to its optimal function cognitive, cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic processes. But acute and chronic stress may affect the organism.

Cortisol and Weight Gain

Stress contributes to the development and maintenance of obesity [2, 4]. This relationship can be summarized and described in a bidirectional model that includes the interacting systems of cognition, physiology, behavior and biochemistry influenced by stress [6]. As a result, obesity can develop which in turn, due to sociocultural factors, may provoke weight stigma. Again, the stigma experienced will induce stress and provoke a circuit between stress and obesity.

Each element will be briefly described.

Cognition: Self-regulation is crucial for modulating one’s behavior and decision making. This will directly impact food and physical activity choices, as well as cognitive and emotional processes such as executive functioning and goal-oriented behavior [6].

Behavior: Inadequate self-regulation will more than likely impact one of the following elements that will influence the way in which we eat, exercise and rest. Related to the first, humans, like several species, have been observed to engage in stress-induced eating. It is known that food can soothe stress, which is no worrying issue, but lack of self-control may allow this behavior to reach high and alarming levels (binge eating disorder).

The second of these happens when stress disrupts our physical activity patterns, whether by decreasing physical activity or by increasing sedentary behavior. And lastly, stress is well known to mess with sleeping patterns. Short sleeping periods are related to a higher likelihood of obesity, as with likewise lower muscle mass. Sleeping and resting are essential in weight and stress control [6].

Physiology: Stress is known to activate multiple physiological systems, and in excess, to deter them. Three are commonly mentioned: the HPA, the Reward System and the microbiome. The first of these, as mentioned, secretes cortisol as a stress response, which in turn activates soothing behaviors such as eating, and promotes fat deposition in abdominal regions. The second acts like the HPA, in as much as it refers to a ‘pleasure seeking’ mechanism that when under stress activates food seeking behavior to soothe the negative emotion. And lastly, the microbiome is one that depending on its health can influence the sensation of stress by modulating it or provoking it [6].

Biochemistry: This area refers to the modulation of biochemical substances that are relevant to weight and obesity, such as leptin and ghrelin. Leptin and ghrelin are both, generally speaking, satiation and hunger hormones. The more leptin we secrete, the more satiated we will be, which will bring about a soothing and calm sensation after eating. Ghrelin on the other hand, in high concentrations can cause hunger and stress in order to activate food searching behavior [6].

Managing Stress Manages Weight

Interestingly enough, some of the non-pharmacological interventions for stress are likewise employed in obesity. In the following paragraph, some suggestions are outlined that will both help with stress and with weight gain or obesity.

• Diet: Stress creates greater physiologic demands than basal states. More energy, oxygen, circulation and allover metabolic cofactors are needed when under stress (eg. vitamins and minerals). Eating a nutritionally rich diet can help modulate and soothe stress [7].
• Behavioral Interventions: Several cognitive behavioral therapies have been suggested and proved beneficial in the management of stress. In hand with a therapist, whether it is mindfulness training, relaxation strategies, personal and interpersonal skill training, acceptance and commitment therapy, resilience and coping training, these can improve and diminish acute stress which in turn will help with obesity [8].
• Physical Activity: The benefits of physical activity on health issues, both physiological and psychological, are widely known in the scientific community. Different levels of physical activity imply different effects on stress-related neurophysiological response to psychosocial stress. Those who constantly exercise are less likely to develop depressive illness and more likely to mitigate stress [9].
• Bariatric Surgery: Besides reducing weight in excellent manner, it has been shown that the use of bariatric surgery compared to non-surgical interventions for obesity have measurable benefits in the reduction of psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress—besides, of course, of reduction in body weight [10].

Weight Loss Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

At LIMARP, International Center of Excellence for Obesity, we offer an integrative bariatric program, with a multidisciplinary approach, for the treatment of obesity. Our program includes a surgical intervention —like a gastric sleeve, a gastric bypass or a duodenal switch—, or a non-surgical intervention —like an intragastric balloon—, along with psychological counselling, nutritional guidance, personalized fitness routines, and long-term follow-up.

For our patients traveling from abroad, we also offer accommodation in our next-door hotel, the luxurious Grand Hotel Tijuana, and transportation to and fro the airport and the hotel.

Our clinic is one of the only centers in Mexico that have been certified as a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation. Our lead surgeon, Dr. Liza María Pompa González is certified as a Master Surgeon and Surgeon of Excellence by the same organization, and she is the first female surgeon to be awarded with this recognition.

Contact Us Today

Our team is ready to help you. At LIMARP, patients will always receive warm, sincere and professional answers. For a free evaluation please call us at (619) 270 8823, fill out a contact form at www.limarp.com, or message through any of our social media pages.

References

• [1] Brownell, K. D. et al. (1991). The heterogeneity of obesity: Fitting treatments to individuals. Behav Thera, 22, 53-77. 
• [2] Sosa-Cordobés, E. et al. (2023). How effective are mindfulness-based interventions for reducing stress and weight? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Environ Tes Public Health, 20, 446.
• [3] Law, R. et al. (2020). Stress, the cortisol awakening response and cognitive function. Int Rev Neurobiol, 15-, 187-217.
• [4] Russell, G. et al. (2019). The human stress response. Nat Rev Endocr, 15, 525-34.
• [5] Vijayan, M. M. et al. (2010). Stress response and the role of cortisol. In Fish Diseases and Disorders Vol. 2: Non-infectious (Eds. J. F. Leatherland and P.T.K. Woo). LUGAR EDITORIAL
• [6] Tomiyama, A. J. (2019). Stress and obesity. Annu Rev Psychol, 70, 703-18.
• [7] Gonzalez, M. J. et al. (2014). Diet and stress. Psych Clin North Ame, 37(4), 579-89.
• [8] Holman, D. et al. (2018). Stress management interventions: Improving subjective psychological well-being in the workplace. In E. Diener, S. Oishi & L. Tay (Eds.), Handbook of well-being. DEF Publishers.
• [9] Wang, F. et al. (2019). The relationship between physical activity, stress, life satisfaction and sleep quality. J Physic Educ Sport, 19(1), 227-34.[10] Paczkowska, A. et al. (2022). Impact of bariatric surgery on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among patients with morbid obesity: International multicentre study in Poland and Germany. B J Psych Open, 8(1), e32.

The human body is in constant change. There are many ways in which a person’s body changes throughout the years and it can all be traced down to genetics, lifestyle choices, or medical reasons. One way a person can notice how their body has been changing is through their weight, whether they’re gaining or losing it; this can be perceived in different ways, maybe it’s good that they’re gaining weight because they’ve been struggling with other issues, or it can be a sign of worry if they’re losing weight for no reason. 

Sudden weight gain or being overweight can also be harmful for a person’s health, given that it can bring forth a series of complications or it can aggravate any underlying medical condition. In fact, the most recent data suggests that “the number of obese people in the world has tripled since 1975 to roughly 30% of the total population”[1], and this number continues to rise. The projections shared by the World Health Organization (WHO) display that at least one in three of the world’s adult population is overweight. 

However, it’s important to point out that some changes in the body, especially in the stomach area, are not necessarily due to weight gain. As we have mentioned, our body goes through different fluctuations and they can also happen in a single day; this can be due to bloating, which causes a swollen stomach.

We’ve all experienced having a swollen stomach and for this article, we’d like to discuss why it happens and how it can be linked to weight gain. We’ll also dive into why people tend to suddenly gain weight and how it’s different for men and women.

Our multidisciplinary team at LIMARP®, led by Dr. Liza María Pompa González, is here to help you understand the effects of being overweight, as well as provide all the necessary tools and information to ensure that you lead a healthier lifestyle. As always, we’d like to remind you that each case is different and the information presented in this article is general. If you have more questions after reading it, please make sure to contact your doctor or you’re welcome to schedule an appointment with us at our Tijuana clinic.

Causes and Symptoms of a Swollen Stomach

To begin, we’d like to present some information about bloating, which can cause a swollen stomach. Having a swollen stomach means that you feel full and uncomfortable, which is fairly common and can be due to several factors[2], such as:

• Having a lot of gas in your gut
• Swallowing air
• Eating certain foods or drinks, like soda or some vegetables
• Constipation
• Coeliac disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

A swollen stomach can be easily identified due to its notable symptoms that include feeling that your stomach is larger than usual; pain or discomfort; your stomach starts rumbling, and you’re releasing more gasses than usual. When you are bloated, the last thing you want to do is worsen it, which is why you should do the following if you’re experiencing any uncomfortable bloating. 

First, try exercising to improve your digestion and prevent being bloated. It’s been noted that working out can relieve you when you have a swollen stomach. When eating your meals, chew with your mouth closed so you don’t swallow air; you should also drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to avoid constipation. Massaging your stomach can release the air that’s making you bloated, so make sure to rub it from right to left to improve your condition.

If your swollen stomach doesn’t improve after following these recommendations, you can take laxatives or other medicines that ease bloating. In the case that you’re still struggling with a swollen stomach, it’s important that you contact your doctor, especially if you have been bloated for more than three weeks or regularly have a swollen stomach; if you found a lump in your stomach, and if you experience vomit, diarrhea, or constipation while bloated.

The Link Between Weight Gain and a Swollen Stomach

As we’ve mentioned in the article’s introduction, a swollen stomach or being bloated is not an indication of weight gain, sometimes it’s just a body fluctuation. However, there are circumstances where they do go hand in hand and while some causes may coincide for both men and women, there are others that only apply to the latter. So, for this section of the article we’ll go over the link between weight gain and a swollen stomach in order to answer any questions regarding this matter. 

If you’re feeling bloated and have also noticed weight gain, it’s possible that it can be stress related. Stress can make you bloated, as well as other gastrointestinal symptoms; some researchers[3] have also pointed out that stress can also make you more aware of your swollen stomach.  There is also something called “stress eating”, which can drive many people to gain weight, especially if they don’t lead an active lifestyle.

Another reason why you may be bloated is due to the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol mostly contains empty calories which can lead to weight gain and it can cause a swollen stomach because it’s an inflammatory substance that affects the digestive system. There are also several medications that can make you bloated and gain weight such as corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics.

Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism are some of the diseases that can also cause weight gain and a swollen stomach because they mainly affect your hormones and metabolism. This can lead to a series of uncomfortable symptoms that go beyond feeling bloated. It’s important that you speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing negative side effects from the prescription medicine you’re taking to control these diseases. 

Causes for Weight Gain and Swollen Stomach in Women

As it is now common knowledge, some medical issues affect women differently than men, and being bloated and weight gain are some of them. To finish this article, we’ll go over some of these causes to get a bigger picture of the link between a swollen stomach and weight gain. 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has emotional and physical symptoms due to the changes in a woman’s hormone levels. A swollen and weight gain can happen because of water retention, food cravings, fatigue, and abdominal cramps. This can also cause a decrease in a woman’s physical activity, thus leading to weight gain.

Other causes include endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS tend to gain weight in their abdomen, which may cause it to look bloated, while those with endometriosis may experience bloating due to the growth of endometrial tissue in the abdomen; endometriomas, which is a type of ovarian cyst, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you want to learn more about the causes for weight gain or swollen stomach, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.

References

• [1] “Most Obese Countries 2022”. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-obese-countries. (Accessed February 19, 2023). 
• [2] “Bloating”. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bloating/. (Accessed February 22, 2023).
• [3] Mari A, Abu Backer F, Mahamid M, Amara H, Carter D, Boltin D, Dickman R. Bloating and Abdominal Distension: Clinical Approach and Management. Adv Ther. 2019 May;36(5):1075-1084. doi: 10.1007/s12325-019-00924-7. Epub 2019 Mar 16. PMID: 30879252; PMCID: PMC6824367.

Obesity is a complex disease that is not caused by one single issue. Many things factor into the equation that leads an individual to gain weight to the point of threatening their health.

It affects everyone around the world with data suggesting that “the number of obese people in the world has tripled since 1975 to roughly 30% of the total population”[1], and this number continues to rise. 

This disorder is one of the leading causes of death because it dramatically decreases a person’s life expectancy. Obesity puts people at higher risk for several diseases or illnesses, such as: diabetes, heart disease, certain types of cancer, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, strokes, and high blood pressure. The outcomes of developing obesity are many and can change according to each patient, as well as the causes why people gain weight. We’ve already talked about the different factors that can cause sudden or unmanageable weight gain, such as the social environment a person grows up in, menopause, mental health issues, and other underlying medical conditions. 

Mental health and obesity can be tightly intertwined in the sense that one can be heightened or worsened by the other. It’s a dangerous loop that puts the patient’s health at a dangerous risk if either one is not treated. Depression, one of the most common mental health issues, can be treated with the use of different antidepressants, making the patient’s daily activities and lifestyle more manageable. 

At LIMARP®, we offer integral treatment programs that focus on the patient’s mental and physical well-being. Our team of doctors also include licensed psychologists that can help you understand and manage what you’re experiencing throughout your weight loss journey, as well as guide you through any circumstance that may be hindering your overall health.

This article will focus on the link between the use of antidepressants and unexpected weight gain.

As always, we’d like to remind you that each case or circumstance is different, so it’s important you contact your doctor if you start experiencing any negative symptoms that can be linked to the use of antidepressants. Your well-being, both mental and physical, is highly important to us and we pride ourselves in offering the best assistance possible so that you can reach your health goals and lead your ideal lifestyle. 

What Are Antidepressants?

According to the CDC[2], antidepressants “are the third most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and are taken by 11% of Americans aged 12 years and over”, which is why we consider it important to talk about them in order for you to have more information. First of all, these medications are not only used to treat depression, they can also be used for some anxiety disorders, some chronic pain conditions, and to help manage some addictions[3]. The effectiveness of antidepressants varies according to the patient and to their condition; some may find them extremely helpful and see improvements in their mental state, while other may encounter more adverse side effects, such as an increased recurrence of depressive episodes or suicidal thoughts[4]. 

There are also several types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs), among others. Make sure to speak with your doctor to ensure that you get the right antidepressant to treat your condition; self-diagnosing and prescription are not recommended, since the side effects for each antidepressant are different and can be dangerous.

Some of the most common side effects that people who take antidepressants include serotonin toxicity[4], gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches and dizziness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and weight fluctuations. This last side effect can manifest itself in unexpected weight gain or weight loss, and according to Medical News Today[5], “25%  of people using antidepressants experience an increase in weight”. 

The Link Between Antidepressants and Weight Gain

Although weight gain is a very common side effect of using antidepressants, there’s not a clear reason that can explain why some people may experience it and some don’t, which is why researchers have posed several hypotheses that explain this weight fluctuation. Certainly the weight gain can be exacerbated if the patient’s diet is heavy on carbohydrates, especially if eating had become a coping mechanism before starting their psychiatric treatment. This can be treated by lifestyle changes that include changing their diet and adding a workout routine to their daily activities. 

If the weight gain is unexpected, it can be linked to the type of antidepressant the patient is on and these are some of them that have been proven to have increased weight as a side effect:

• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and doxepin.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine.
• Paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
• Mirtazapine, an atypical antidepressant.

A 2000 study[6] suggested several reasons why people tend to gain weight when they start their antidepressant treatment and the first one is that the patient’s mental health condition is actually improving. Depression can cause a decreased appetite and fatigue, which combined can cause weight loss; an increase in weight can be viewed as positive because it signals that their appetite has improved and that they’re eating a healthy amount of calories.

On the other hand, that same study suggested that weight gain may be a residual symptom of depression even though the patient has gone into remission. This can be due because weight gain is also a symptom of depression and it can be hard to overcome even though the antidepressants are being effective. If you’ve made significant changes to your lifestyle to reduce the amount of weight you’re gaining, but aren’t seeing results, contact your doctor so you can discuss alternative antidepressants or other types of treatments that can benefit both your mental and physical health. 

Another reason why your weight may be affected is because antidepressants directly interfere with serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that affects our appetite. This can lead a person to consume high-calorie foods or excess carbohydrates. The patient’s metabolism can also be affected and even though they’re following a healthy diet, their body may not be as effective in regulating hormones.

Weight fluctuations can have a serious impact on a person’s mental health and while antidepressants can help, the sudden gain can bring ups and downs within the treatment. If this symptom becomes unmanageable, do not stop your antidepressant treatment without consulting your doctor first; going off it in a sudden fashion can put your health at risk or worsen the side effects of your depression.

Your doctor may suggest a different type of antidepressant or changing the dosage, which should be carried out gradually to avoid any further complications. Any other lifestyle changes that have a direct impact on your health should also be consulted with an expert first.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you want to learn more about the link between antidepressants and weight gain, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.

References

• [1] “Most Obese Countries 2022”. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-obese-countries. (Accessed August 24, 2022). 
• [2] Pratt LA, Brody DJ, Gu Q. Antidepressant use in persons aged 12 and over: United States, 2005–2008. NCHS data brief, no 76. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2011.
• [3] Jennings, Leigh (2018). “Chapter 4: Antidepressants”. In Grossberg, George T.; Kinsella, Laurence J. (eds.). Clinical psychopharmacology for neurologists: a practical guide. Springer. pp. 45–71. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-74604-3_4. ISBN 978-3-319-74602-9.
• [4] Boyer EW, Shannon M (2005). “The serotonin syndrome” (PDF). N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (11): 1112–20. doi:10.1056/NEJMra041867. PMID 15784664.
• [5] “How can antidepressants affect weight gain?”. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319527. (Accessed August 24, 2022). 
• [6] Fava M. Weight gain and antidepressants. J Clin Psychiatry. 2000;61 Suppl 11:37-41. PMID: 10926053.

The human body, like almost everything else, is in a constant state of change. From the moment we are born, we begin to experience different transformations: from the amount of bones our body has to the way our hair and nails grow over periods of time. Other transformations can be seen in our height, weight, and the way our body changes throughout puberty, which, for some, can be one of the most awkward or painful phases in their life. Once we leave puberty and become full-grown adults, we arrive at a stand-by in which we no longer see any notable changes in our body, but for some women, this all changes once they hit their forties or fifties. 

Throughout their life, women have to deal with hormone fluctuations due to their period, pregnancy, contraceptives, or any other type of imbalances that can be caused by high stress, insufficient sleep, an unhealthy diet, diabetes, thyroid problems, and other conditions. These imbalances can bring forth a series of side effects that, while not always harmful, can be uncomfortable.

One of those side effects is unexpected weight gain; hormones affect processes like your metabolism, but the imbalance may also be a symptom of underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism and menopause.

At LIMARP®, we offer an integrative treatment program that covers all aspects of your health and our team of doctors, led by Dr. Liza María Pompa González, aims to address any underlying problem that may be causing unexpected weight fluctuations. Menopause affects all women once they reach a certain age and while their experience may differ in intensity or types of symptoms, it’s still an uncomfortable stage in their life. This article will focus on how menopause affects women, why it causes weight gain, and what can be done to treat the side effects that come along with it.

Before we begin, we want to highlight that there are several reasons why your weight may change unexpectedly and we recommend you schedule an appointment with your doctor so that they can determine the exact cause.

Menopause: Stages and Symptoms

Menopause occurs when a woman hasn’t menstruated in twelve consecutive months and can no longer become pregnant naturally. It usually begins between the ages of 45 and 55, but can develop before or after. It causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes and weight gain, as well as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, pain during sex, irritability, and in the worst of cases, depression. 

These symptoms usually present themselves during the perimenopause stage, which is the transitional bridge between pre-menopause and menopause. This stage typically lasts several years and during this time, the ovaries will slowly stop working and estrogen production will slow down, meaning that fewer eggs will be released. The next stage is menopause, which usually from seven to fourteen years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, age it begins, and race, and ethnicity[1].

The postmenopausal stage begins once women have gone a whole year without menstruating and it will be the stage she will remain in for the rest of her life. Luckily, the symptoms will have subsided by now and they begin to feel comfortable again. However, other health risks may arise, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

Menopause and Weight Gain

We’ve mentioned various symptoms that may signal menopause and while most of them are very uncomfortable, the one that tends to cause the most inconvenience is the unexpected or rapid weight gain.

In the early part of the perimenopause stage, the ovaries can produce extremely high amounts of estrogen because of the mixed signals between the ovaries, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland[2].

Studies suggest that high estrogen levels may increase fat gain because high estrogen levels are associated with weight gain and higher body fat[3]. Women tend to store fat in their hips and thighs, but this type of fat doesn’t increase disease risk very much, but if they’re already struggling with obesity or other weight-related problems, this can be a difficult transition and they may find it harder to lose the extra weight. Another factor that may contribute to weight gain during perimenopause may be the increased appetite that takes place due to the hormonal imbalances. Ghrelin, which is known as the “hunger hormone”, tends to be significantly higher among perimenopausal women, compared to premenopausal and postmenopausal women[4].

However, during menopause, low estrogen levels promote fat storage in the belly area as visceral fat, which is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems[5]. Once they enter the postmenopause stage, women can see an increase in their weight because they’re often less active than when they were younger.

How To Keep the Weight Off

There are several ways to stop this unexpected weight gain during menopause and not all of them rely on hormone replacement treatments. Most of them have to do with lifestyle changes, such as exercise routines, healthy diets, and taking up any relaxation method. We recommend that you speak to your doctor to see which option is best for you.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you’re going through menopause and are experiencing unexpected weight gain, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.

References

[1] “What Is Menopause?”. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause#:~:text=Menopause%20is%20a%20point%20in,between%20ages%2045%20and%2055. (Accessed July 26th, 2022). 

[2] Prior JC. Ovarian aging and the perimenopausal transition: the paradox of endogenous ovarian hyperstimulation. Endocrine. 2005 Apr;26(3):297-300. doi: 10.1385/ENDO:26:3:297. PMID: 16034185. 

[3] O’Sullivan AJ. Does oestrogen allow women to store fat more efficiently? A biological advantage for fertility and gestation. Obes Rev. 2009 Mar;10(2):168-77. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2008.00539.x. Epub 2008 Oct 23. PMID: 19021869.

[4] Sowers MR, Wildman RP, Mancuso P, Eyvazzadeh AD, Karvonen-Gutierrez CA, Rillamas-Sun E, Jannausch ML. Change in adipocytokines and ghrelin with menopause. Maturitas. 2008 Feb 20;59(2):149-57. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2007.12.006. Epub 2008 Feb 14. PMID: 18280066; PMCID: PMC2311418.

[5] Mauvais-Jarvis F, Clegg DJ, Hevener AL. The role of estrogens in control of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Endocr Rev. 2013 Jun;34(3):309-38. doi: 10.1210/er.2012-1055. Epub 2013 Mar 4. PMID: 23460719; PMCID: PMC3660717.

Obesity is one of the biggest health concerns in the United States and around the world. Its risks are wide and well-documented and it can be responsible for several diseases, different crises, like personal or financial ones, as well as relationship issues. The label “epidemic” has been placed on obesity because of the undeniable fact that more and more people are becoming obese or overweight.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “in 1995, there were an estimated 200 million obese adults worldwide and another 18 million under-five children classified as overweight. As of 2000, the number of obese adults has increased to over 300 million” [1].

The answer to the question of what causes obesity is all but simple. People are more sedentary, there is an enormous amount of inexpensive high-sugar, high-calorie, overly processed foods available everywhere and it seems that food deserts [2] (large expanses of territory with little fresh produce available to purchase) are expanding.

But there must be something else. Surely other factors have had to come into play for people’s weight to reach current levels. There has been much talk about sugar addiction or other psychological factors, and many authors and researchers have emphatically stated that it’s all about lifestyle. But what does that really mean? Does it just refer to how much exercise we do and where we choose to eat? Or could it be that it’s also about how we interact with others and how we influence each other’s decisions?

At LIMARP®, we understand that obesity doesn’t just stem from one particular problem, but rather a plethora of factors that are a consequence of internal and external circumstances. The people who arrive at our clinic are met with empathic care and we count with a multidisciplinary team of doctors who are qualified to treat any weight-related problem the patient may have. Our integral treatment plans, beyond helping people lose weight, also aim to educate and help them understand the reasons behind their struggles. 

This article focuses on how our social networks influence our lifestyle and our relationship with food, and how positive and negative influences can affect our mental health. The research on this particular topic is still limited and we always recommend that you seek professional help from a certified psychologist if you have harmful recurring thoughts. 

It’s no secret that our relationships have a big impact on our life, both negative and positive, and while having a good support system is what’s ideal, not all people have the opportunity or privilege of being part of a healthy social network. In Sociology, a social network is defined as “a network of individuals (such as friends, acquaintances, and coworkers) connected by interpersonal relationships”, and over the last 10 years, a growing body of work has focused on the role that such networks might play in understanding the development of overweight and obesity[3].

Habits can influence your health and they can spread through social networks in much the same way that germs spread through communities.

Researchers from Harvard Medical school suspect that “a social network influences what its members perceive as normal and acceptable. If people see their friends becoming heavier and heavier over time, they may accept weight gain as natural, even inevitable. Instead of exercising more or eating less when their weight begins to creep up, they may simply go with the flow and join the crowd”. [4]

When it comes to family dynamics, genetics can also come into play, but any weight irregularities are primarily due to lifestyle choices, like their diet or level of physical activity. Many parents who are looking to lose weight tend to struggle, not because of lack of motivation, but because of limited time. A study found that people who have support within their social network, meaning that they can count on others to look after their children or home responsibilities, are more likely to reach their weight goals.[5] 

Sometimes, it’s not even your family who has the most influence on you. A 2007 study concluded that “pairs of friends and siblings of the same sex appeared to have more influence on the weight gain of each other than did pairs of friends and siblings of the opposite sex. This finding also provides support for the social nature of any induction of obesity, since it seems likely that people are influenced more by those they resemble than by those they do not.” [6] 

A 2015 study[3] was able to categorize the processes through which people may be influenced by their social networks to either gain or lose weight. The first one is social contagion, where the network in which people are embedded influences their weight or weight-influencing behaviors; the second is social capital, where a sense of belonging and social support influence weight or weight-influencing behaviors, and social selection, where a person’s network might develop according to his or her weight.

Inside each process we can find “different dimensions” which signal the complexity of the influence these types of networks have on different people. Next, we’ll highlight the dimensions of each process.

• Social Contagion. Mirroring weight influences behavior of others, aspiring to the body size of others in one’s social network, and changing behavior in response to the body sizes in a particular setting.
• Social Capital. Sense of belonging and social support.
• Social Selection. Homophily, unlike the processes of contagion or social capital, can be observed when social networks are developed according to people’s weight.

The good news is that these types of influences can also be reversed, meaning that social networks can also help people maintain a healthy weight or lose unwanted weight. If public health specialists learn to work with natural social systems or networks, they might be able to spread healthful habits, positive attitudes, and smart lifestyle choices throughout communities. Other evidence has shown that having a positive support system or good relationships within social networks can help people achieve their goals and be more mindful of their health.

Contact Us to Learn More

If you want more information about this topic, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.

References

[1] “Controlling the global obesity epidemic”. https://www.who.int/activities/controlling-the-global-obesity-epidemic. (Accessed July 11th, 2022). 

[2] Renee E. Walker, Christopher R. Keane, Jessica G. Burke. Disparities and access to healthy food in the United States: A review of food deserts literature.Health & Place, Volume 16, Issue 5, 2010. Pages 876-884. ISSN 1353-8292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2010.04.013.

[3] Powell, K., Wilcox, J., Clonan, A. et al. The role of social networks in the development of overweight and obesity among adults: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 15, 996 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2314-0. 

[4] “Social networks and health: Communicable but not infectious”. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/social-networks-and-health-communicable-but-not-infectious. (Accessed July 11th, 2022). 

[5] Winston GJ, Phillips EG, Wethington E, Devine C, Wells M, Peterson JC, Hippolyte J, Ramos R, Martinez G, Eldridge J, Charlson M. Social network characteristics associated with weight loss among black and hispanic adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Aug;23(8):1570-6. doi: 10.1002/oby.21155. Epub 2015 Jul 14. PMID: 26179578; PMCID: PMC4669882.

[6] Christakis NA, Fowler JH, Christakis NA, Fowler JH. The spread of obesity in a large social network over 32 years. N Engl J Med. 2007;357(4):370–9.

Anxiety and weight gain

Obesity has become a worldwide public health problem. Worldwide obesity has been on the rise for the past 35 years and its numbers keep increasing. According to the CDC (2018) [1], 73.6% of the American adult population is either obese or overweight; 42.5% is obese. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2016) [2], more than 31% of Canadian adults and 28% of Mexicans adults suffer from obesity.

Obesity has been associated with higher health risks, as people with obesity are more prone to developing life threatening diseases like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, heart disease, osteoarthritis and more.

But why are people all over the world gaining more and more weight? There are many factors. Most of them have to do with changes in our modern day to day life. But one key factor that has been proven to lead to weight gain is stress.

Stress is a part of most people’s daily life. Financial struggles, problems at work, family issues, repairs needed around the house; there is definitely plenty of things to feel anxious about and our body certainly takes a toll.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the increase of stressful events in our daily lives. The American Psychological Association (APA) has been studying the impact of stress in the lives of Americans since 2007, and in their report of 2020 [3], for which they surveyed 2,171 adults and 1,136 teens living in the United States, they found out that nearly 8 in 10 adults (78%) say the coronavirus pandemic has been a significant source of stress in their daily life, and 2 in 3 adults (67%) say they have experienced increased stress over the course of the pandemic.

Stress is a risk factor that triggers many psychological and physiological problems, one of which is related to an increase of appetite which can make us either overeat or choose unhealthy foods and later hold on to fat as a response of our bodies against long-lasting stressors.

The APA’s “Stress in America” study of 2010 [4] reported that 40% of those surveyed said that they used food to cope with anxiety. Their most recent survey of 2021 [5] reports that 61% of adults experienced undesired weight changes –either weigh gain or weight loss– since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Of those, 42% gained more weight that they intended, the average weight gain being of 29 pounds.

The relations between stress, overeating, weight gain and even weight loss have been fully established in a series of different scientific studies. Stress may lead to comfort eating, which involves the intake of high-calorie, high-sugar, or high-fat foods; emotional eating, where eating is a response to emotional states like sadness or anger; binge eating, the disinhibition of eating behavior, and/or an increase in unhealthy eating [6]. Being under the influence of stress can also make us eat with little awareness of quality or quantity, and without ever feeling truly satiated.

Which are the mechanisms that underlie the relation between stress and weight gain or weight loss?

• Cortisol, a hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland reacts to stress and triggers other reactions in response, such as changes in eating behaviors.
• Ghrelin, a hormone that activates appetite has also been shown to be released in response to psychological stress.
• Leptin, a hormone that signals satiety is also released in response to stress, but this hormone leads to a decrease in the intake of high calorie foods. In this case, the person dealing with a stressful situation losses appetite and skips meals.

Although most people tend to gain weight when dealing with long-term stress, others tend to lose weight. Decreased food consumption in response to stress has been observed to be more common in men than in women, and in unrestrained eaters than among restrained eaters [6].
But weight gain seems to be an adaptative behavior that our genetic memory learned as a strategy to survive stress caused by dangers and threats.

At first, a stressful event may cause a loss of appetite, but when stress becomes chronic the exact opposite can happen. Our neuro-endocrine mechanism (involving brain and hormones) of fight or flight served us well as a species in the Paleolithic era, when human beings lived in an extremely hostile environment full of predators and with little food; but even though the reasons that give us stress have changed, the mechanism remains intact and it makes us hold on to fat.

The hormonal response of the body to a stressful event helps us to fight or flee before our stressors and the immediate result is in fact a reduction in our appetite, but the effect does not last long. The hormone known as cortisol for example tends to remain elevated once the stressful event has passed and it may lead us to overeating. Very often we turn eating into our anxiety coping activity.

It is a fact that high levels of stress are directly related with more abdominal fat, increased cravings for high sugar foods and simple carbohydrates and with a weaker disposition to exercise.
The good news is that there is a lot we can do to break this vicious circle between stress and weight gain. Here are some recommendations of what you could do to mitigate stress and to avoid overeating and unhealthy habits [7]:

• Identify unhealthy habits like overeating and pay special attention to who you feel after you overeat. Make a conscious plan to substitute overeating with another activity that will allow you to feel better.
• Set specific goals to achieve healthy habits. These goals shouldn’t be too easy, but they should be attainable.
• Find an accountability buddy that can help you stay on track and keep a record of your progress.
• Eat a balanced diet and do not skip meals. Have three adequate meals and two snacks a day to avoid spikes in blood sugar levels, thus reducing the production of insulin (the “fat trapping” hormone) and eventually of cortisol (a stress hormone). If you find it hard to commit to your three daily meals, try setting an alarm or designating special times for eating in your calendar.
• Identify healthy snacks and keep them within reach in your office or house kitchen. Each time you identify stressful situations that make you want to overeat, reach for those healthy snacks instead.
• If you have been experiencing stress and weight gain, instead of focusing on losing weight, start by maintaining your current weight by not overeating and staying active. This could be a stepping stone to developing healthier habits later.
• Find time for physical activity. Exercise is a great stress reducer. It not only burns calories and works the cardiovascular system; it also produces biochemical substances that counteract some of the negative effects of stress. Also, exercise helps regulate blood sugar level. If you find it hard to commit to exercise, try walking, raising stairs or even pacing in a closed circuit inside your office or house. You may accumulate 5-minute workouts for a total of 30 minutes a day as a daily goal by taking small breaks between your activities.
• Enjoy a recreational or relaxing activity. Fun or relaxing activities work much like exercise to counteract the effects of stress. Finding an activity that you like and that gives you some peace of mind is an important component in the formula for anxiety and weight control.
• Sleep well. Sleep deprivation alters certain hormones levels which in turn can cause an increase in appetite. Try to sleep 8 hours in approximately the same schedule every day.
• Practice conscious self-care. We know you are busy. But no matter how absorbing your daily routine is, you should always keep some time to take special care of yourself. Make your physical and mental health your priority.

At LIMARP we know first-hand the highly stressful situation that our patients live, that is why our comprehensive care model for obesity includes helping patients cope with stress and anxiety through the expertise of our multidisciplinary team, which is ready to help you. For a free evaluation please call LIMARP International Center of Excellence for Obesity at (619) 270 8823 or fill out a contact form at www.limarp.com.

Bibliography

• [1] Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) (2018). Obesity and Overweight. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.html
• [2] World Health Organization (WHO) (2018). Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Country Profiles. https://www.who.int/nmh/publications/ncd-profiles-2018/en/
• [3] American Psychological Association (APA) (2020). Stress in America 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/sia-mental-health-crisis.pdf
• [4] American Psychological Association (APA) (November 9, 2010). Stress in America Findings: Mind/Body Health: For a Healthy Mind and Body, Talk to a Psychologist. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2010/national-report.pdf
• [5] American Psychological Association (March 11, 2021). One year on: Unhealthy weight gains, increased drinking reported by Americans coping with pandemic stress. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2021/03/one-year-pandemic-stress
• [6] Araiza, A. M.; Lobel, M. (2018). Stress and eating: Definitions, findings, explanations, and implications. Soc Personal Psychol Compass 12. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/spc3.12378
• [7] American Psychological Association (APA) (2021). Stress in America: One Year Later, A New Wave of Pandemic Health Concerns. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2021/sia-pandemic-report.pdf

If you experience weight gain after bariatric surgery, the causes may be varied and can change from patient to patient. Although our doctors can perform revision surgery to help treat weight recovery, often times some changes in your diet and support system can ultimately be the greatest solution. At LIMARP® in Tijuana, México , our integrative bariatric program includes nutritional counseling and resources for support groups anytime, before or after your surgery, so you never lack the support and advice you need.

Why Do Some Patients Gain Weight after Bariatric Surgery?

Statistically, some patients will gain some weight back within two to three years after bariatric surgery. Even so, most individuals still keep approximately 70 percent of their excess weight off after the five-year mark. The most common factors affecting weight gain after bariatric surgery include:

• Lack of a support system: Emotional support is essential before, during, and after bariatric surgery. Patients who lack this type of encouragement are more likely to gain weight following their procedure. Our team at LIMARP can provide you with special support at any time during your treatment.
• Psychological state: Decreased feelings of well-being or increased urges to overeat can lead to weight gain after bariatric surgery. Additionally, sugar addiction is a significant reason for post-operative weight gain.
• Alcohol or drug abuse: Individuals who abuse substances are far more likely to gain weight after bariatric surgery. If you have questions regarding this possibility, it is important that you address them with out psychologists so you can understand the concept of addiction transfer and to gain the tools needed to avoid it.

Modifications ranging from support groups to additional treatment can help minimize weight gain after bariatric surgery.

How to Prevent or Reverse Weight Gain

A small amount of weight gain is likely once you hit your lowest post-surgical weight. There are a few recommendations to help you maintain your progress after surgery:

• Don’t reject the specialized support we provide for weight loss:Patients who actively participate in therapy for weight loss have a BMI that is approximately 10 percent lower than those who do not. To help our patients achieve their goals, LIMARP provides nutritional counseling and resources for support groups.
• Foster healthy habits before surgery: You will be placed on a diet prior to bariatric surgery. This will help prepare you for your new lifestyle and reduce your BMI. Any binge-eating habits should be addressed proactively. Those who seek treatment prior to surgery are less likely to gain weight afterward.*
• Lose weight before bariatric surgery: Losing a substantial amount of weight before surgery can have a tremendous positive impact on your results. Statistically, the more weight lost prior to surgery, the more success you will enjoy.

Revision Surgery Options

Despite following all of these recommendations, weight gain may still occur in some patients. If diet and exercise fail to produce the desired results, you can be evaluated for revision surgery. Two common methods include:

• Reducing stoma size: The area between the pouch and small intestines is called the stoma. In some patients, the stoma may become enlarged after surgery. If this occurs, adjustment of the connections can be attempted to remedy the problem.
• Reduce the stomach pouch: Over time, the stomach pouch may stretch out. If this should happen, your surgeon reduce through different techniques.
  If you have experienced weight gain after bariatric surgery, Dr. Liza María Pompa can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine if revision surgery is right for you.

Contact LIMARP for More Information

If you are concerned about weight gain after bariatric surgery, reach out to a team member for more information. Contact us online or call our office at (619) 270-8823.