How Much Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy is also generally known as bariatric surgery. This surgery is particularly done to induce weight loss and reduce the stomach size. It is a significant surgery for individuals who have struggled to lose weight with diet, exercise, and traditional methods, but have had no luck. Weight loss after gastrectomy is the main goal for such individuals. Many lose 60-70% of their weight in 12 to 18 months after surgery. The rate of weight loss varies according to each person’s specific conditions. The surgeon evaluates how much weight one can lose after a sleeve gastrectomy as a person’s body mass, age, diet, and lifestyle influence it. 

 Bariatric surgery helps by limiting food intake and balancing hunger hormones. Following this, a person eats less and restores their health and fitness. Understanding the factors influencing weight loss after gastrectomy, particularly yields long-lasting results. 

Does weight loss after gastrectomy surgery work?

Every single person has a unique way of weight loss.  Some people tend to lose weight very quickly, while most patients battle with their weight problems even after surgery. It depends on every person’s body type. However, one achieves the ideal weight within 12 to 18 months. People lose weight after bariatric surgery instantly. Diet after sleeve gastrectomy facilitates the rapid positive changes leading to weight loss. A person weighing 200 kg before surgery will lose 100 kilograms on average. At first, doctors especially recommended only a liquid diet. By three months, patients gradually switch to solid foods and a liquid diet. In addition, at this point, the patient’s body can engage in small physical exercises, not strenuous ones. With exercise and diet changes, many lose 25 to 35 percent of their weight.  

The journey of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy continues even at six months. However, at this point, you lose weight at a rather slow pace. Many people reach their ideal weight goal within one year; if not, you are probably close. Any health complication associated with weight gain is gone after you achieve your perfect weight goal. 

Factors Affecting Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Every person’s journey to weight loss is unique. However, after sleeve gastrectomy, some factors play a part in every person’s life. These factors are: 

1. Diet and Nutrition

Consuming a healthy and nutrient-rich diet is important after sleeve gastrectomy. It not only promotes health but also helps keep the weight off. After surgery, one doesn’t feel much hunger; the diet must contain all the essential nutrients. Proteins are a must as they make up a big part of muscles. They also keep you full with enough energy. Adding eggs, dairy products, and meat to the diet is a great choice. Vegetables and grains give carbohydrates that are an instant source of energy. Fast foods and sugar-rich foods slow down weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy. One must avoid them to achieve the ideal weight faster with long-lasting results. Eating in large quantities at one time is not good. Try having small, frequent meals. This prevents overeating and bloating. 

One should focus only on eating during meals and chewing slowly. This way, people generally relish their food and avoid eating it every now and then. Drink water 30 minutes before eating, and it also reduces hunger. 

2. Physical Activity

Exercise programs after gastrectomy promote further weight loss. They burn calories and promote overall wellness.  Walking is the first exercise performed after surgery.

Patients should try to accomplish 30 minutes of exercise every day. Strength-building exercises stimulate metabolism, while cardio increases cardiovascular health and stamina. Small things like taking the stairs help. Consistency is more important than intensity. Exercise further helps with mood and energy. Many patients find an easier workout as the weight drops. An easier workout and light physical activity help with weight loss. 

3. Genetics and Metabolism

The weight loss effect is influenced by metabolism. Some people burn calories fast in a certain way, as in some cases, by metabolism. Others find it difficult to lose weight as well. Men generally tend to lose weight quicker compared to women. Older adults may require more effort to see effective outcomes. Obesity is also due to genetics. In such cases, it requires a lot more effort to lose weight and keep it off. Genetic influences on weight loss vary from person to person. Weight loss is affected by both medications and dietary changes.

4.  Follow-Up Care

Regular check-ups with the surgeon ensure proper recovery. Doctors monitor weight loss and nutrient levels. Sometimes, they recommend blood tests to detect deficiencies early.  Nutritionists adjust meal plans as needed. Moreover, mental health professionals help with emotional eating. Emotional eating is common nowadays and contributes to weight gain. Patients who skip follow-ups risk complications. Stomach stretching or malnutrition may occur. Consistent care leads to better long-term results.

5. Proper Sleeping Schedule

Proper sleep facilitates weight loss. A sleeping schedule of 7-9 hours is particularly important because it regulates metabolism and hormones in the body. Disrupting this clock may bring forth food cravings and hormonal imbalances. Sleeping and waking at the same time every day are very helpful. It helps regulate the body’s sleep. When well-rested, one is more focused and energized towards the tasks of the day.

Benefits of Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery

This surgery prevents many health complications, along with weight loss, and also significantly reduces the risk of diabetes. This happens because this surgery controls blood sugar levels. This way, diabetes medications are not necessary. 

Furthermore, this surgery can help lower high blood pressure. It also improves cholesterol by boosting good cholesterol. It boosts cardiovascular health. 

The surgery helps in alleviating sleep apnea. Weight loss generally reduces fat deposits around the neck in a way that encourages airflow while sleeping. 

Sleeve gastrectomy also decreases the chance of fatty liver disease. Rapid weight loss aids in reversing liver damage caused by obesity. Sleeve gastrectomy thus prolongs life by preventing obesity-related complications.  The surgery not only assists in weight loss but also averts health-related issues. 

Does Weight Loss After Sleeve Gastrectomy Fail?

Sleeve gastrectomy fails to reduce weight in some patients. This is when patients don’t follow the recommended life changes. Reverting to previous eating habits is one of the main causes. Taking sugary liquids leads to weight regains. Over time, consuming large portions of food may stretch the stomach. Low physical activity and mobility also create poor results. Metabolism actually slows down when there is no exercise. Hence, weight loss is not maintained over a long time.

Continuous follow-up care is important for success. Missed appointments prevent the detection of problems. Nutritionists also make alterations to the diet plan to achieve speedy results. Patients who strictly follow the doctor’s instructions generally don’t regain weight.

Conclusion: 

Factors affecting weight loss after gastric surgery are several and significant. For some individuals, weight loss highly depends on diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exercise. These factors influence the long-term result. Hence, developing healthy habits is important for weight loss. 

Surgical treatment by sleeve gastrectomy is beneficial in weight loss for patients unable to lose weight with other conservative methods. Check-up appointments with your surgeon are important after sleeve gastrectomy. Sleeve gastrectomy boosts self-confidence in patients. The consistency efforts deliver long-lasting results and manage to keep weight off.