I’m writing today post Christmas and in the middle of the summer break. I don’t know about you, but I know I’m enjoying some rest and relaxation to recharge for another exciting year ahead. But, does the festive season start you worrying about a word that starts with ‘re’ and sounds a little bit like brain? I’m thinking regain, and I’m picking on a time in the year I see it start happening quite easily…

Regain from the lowest point you reach after bariatric surgery is quite normal. The amount can vary between each person, although dietary behaviour has a big part to play in that. Those who use their initial ‘honeymoon’ period for building new healthy habits tend to regain less and achieve long term weight maintenance. These habits include eating three meals per day without snacks, regular exercise, and having dietary restraint. In other words, appetite management is achieved through portion control and making the majority of each meal protein. On the flip side, those with more regain have habits like skipping meals, snacking, avoiding exercise, and grazing or eating bigger portions than their body’s actually need.

Did you go to the Weight Management Workshop this year? If you did, you might remember me saying that the ‘human moments’ in life can let these unhealthy habits return. The Christmas/New Year period is a classic time where the Camel’s nose will quite happily squeeze inside the tent if you’re not looking. So, for those who missed the workshop, let’s review the story I told:

One cold night, as Drew sat in his tent, a camel gently thrust his nose under the flap and looked in. "Drew," he said, "let me put my nose in your tent. It's cold and stormy out here." "By all means," said Drew, "and welcome" as he turned over and went to sleep.

A little later, Drew awoke to find that the camel had not only put his nose in the tent but his head and neck also. The camel, who had been turning his head from side to side, said, "I will take but little more room if I place my forelegs within the tent. It is difficult standing out here." "Yes, you may put your forelegs within," said Drew, moving a little to make room, for the tent was small.

Finally, the camel said, "May I not stand wholly inside? I keep the tent open by standing as I do." "Yes, yes," said Drew. " Come wholly inside. Perhaps it will be better for both of us." So, the camel crowded in. Drew with difficulty in the crowded quarters again went to sleep. When he woke up the next time, he was outside in the cold and the camel had the tent to himself.

Drews Hotseat – taking the tooth brush

What do you take with you when you go on vacation? I’m thinking some clothes for starters, maybe some sunnies and swim gear if you’re going to a place like Fiji, and maybe a camera if you’re on a cruise? But what about your toothbrush? I’m going to guess that goes too? What makes you remember that though? If you’re anything like me, you’ll be taking it because it’s gross and unhealthy for my teeth if I leave it at home.

So how about your post-surgery dietary behaviour? Does this come with you or get left behind over the holidays? Do the rules of ‘different area code, different me’ or “I’m on holiday” get applied? If so, does that mean extra portions, alcohol, sweet foods (and lots of them despite dumping)? Can you see my point? - even though the Christmas break is here, remember giving your mind an inch now, or letting your guard down, can mean old habits return just like the Camel’s nose led to more and more…

The Take Home

Regain is a reality. It can be a part of the weight loss surgery journey just like hair thinning was in the early stages. But, the degree to which it occurs can depend on how well the healthy habits have been learned and applied to become your new normal. I’m seriously thinking the hard work you’ve put in to build these habits is way too precious to let fall by the wayside over a festive season like Christmas. If you are experiencing regain though, please know you’re not alone. There are supports available for helping you return to where you want to be: