Over time, some people regain weight despite bariatric surgery. Some eat high-calorie or high-fat foods instead of healthy foods and eat them too often. Some people rely on "soft meals" such as ice cream and milkshakes.

The body itself may change over time, too, leading to weight gain. The digestive tract might begin absorbing more calories. Even the size of your surgical stomach can expand gradually over time.

To keep the weight off, you need to work at it. Here are some tips:

• Eat very small meals. Adapting to small meals is challenging but necessary. Eat small amounts of food slowly, chew well, and eat lots of protein.

• Make nutrition a priority. You must make the foods you eat count. Good nutrition is critically important. You must also take the right supplements, as recommended by your health care provider because serious malnutrition occurs easily following weight loss surgery. A dietitian can create a diet and nutrition plan designed to meet your needs.

• Exercise regularly. Many obese people aren't used to exercise, but it's critical to prevent weight regain. The good news: Once you start losing weight, exercise will get easier.