Gastric sleeve surgery is a laparoscopic feature that removes 70-80% of the stomach and what’s left looks like a tube or “sleeve.” This is a very effective weight-loss procedure and creates hormonal changes in the body that curb hunger. This disturbance in hormones will last for about a year, then the small tube of the stomach begins to limit how much food the body takes in. I am sure you are asking… After gastric sleeve surgery, how much weight can I expect to lose?
How much weight can you lose from gastric sleeve surgery?
Patients often ask about how much weight they can lose with this procedure. It’s important to note that it varies from patient to patient. Some patients can expect to lose about 25% to 60% of their excess fat. There are factors that impact how much you lose including diet and exercise, lifestyle, and how committed you are to changing old habits that need to be broken.
During the first month, patients can expect an average weight loss of up to 30 pounds. After three months, the percentage of overall excess loss can reach up to 30 percent. That number increases to 50 percent after six months – which means the expected weight loss translates to about two pounds per week.
After 12 months, up to 60 percent of the excess weight is lost. After 18 months, the total percentage of excess weight lost can reach 70 to 80 percent. A laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy had the most consistent long-term weight loss years after surgery.
Losing Weight and Keeping it Off
However, the amount of weight loss in gastric sleeve patients depends totally on them. After any bariatric surgery, you will need to be patient and follow a strict diet plan in tandem with staying active. Some tips on losing the weight and keeping it off after gastric sleeve surgery include:
- Eliminating carbs: carbohydrates poison the fat burning mechanism and create hunger. This will make you want to eat more, and the fat will have a harder time disappearing!
- Drink the right thing: Say goodbye to sugary, carbonated drinks. Post-surgery, you will need to drink at least 96 ounces of fluid each day. This should be fluid that has no caffeine, carbonation, or calories in it. Water is best!
- Keep moving: Staying active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. After surgery, talk to your doctor about a fitness plan. You will need to take it easy immediately after surgery, but once you are healed up, you should be launching into a mild exercise plan.
Undergoing weight loss surgery is a time for you to rethink your life and take hold of it! Find someone or a group of people that will help be an encouragement for you during this time. Support during your new weight loss journey is one of the key ways to stay successful.
Our highly trained team of bariatric surgeons and other health care professionals at WeightWise understands that you might feel overwhelmed at starting this new lifestyle. Contact us today for information on how you can get started or learn if gastric sleeve surgery is right for you.
Thank you for the information.
I am 44 years old, single mom. I was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis in March 2008, my health in that department is really good. I try to stay active…
My question is what weight loss surgery do you recommend is the best?
And which weight loss surgery has the best results?
Good Morning Delach! The first step is to watch the free seminar. Then we will get you in to see the surgeon whom will discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, review your health history, and discuss our process to operation.
You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs|1.
I too have been diagnosed with MS in 1992. I had a rough time initially and have level with few mild attacks in between. In that respect I have been good but have several other conditions that the dr and I decided would be much better if I loss a significant amount of weight. I have shrunk to 4’8” and was at my highest 185 lbs, almost double my ideal weight 90- 100 lbs. I lost 25 lbs Fairly quick before the surgery by tracking my food intake and calories. Then I had to wait almost a year before surgery bc my Prerequisite sleep study determines I had severe apnea and central apneas requiring use of the machine for 6 months to get clearance for surgery. And then COVID 19 delayed all elective surgeries. I finally had the gastric sleeve surgery June 17 at starting weight 157. I’m currently at 126 and the health benefits have been many I did not have any increase in MS symptoms and I am extremely happy with the results. After the first month the weight loss slowed down but I sent to lose 1-2?lbs a week. I suggest you go for it. What do you have to lose!! Weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, Pain, significantly less fluid retention and no more diuretics. I am currently doing physical therapy to help correct the severe scoliosis that took over bc of the excess Weight and lack of exercise. Good luck to you.
My name’s regine I’m 41 years old I just had my surger on june 22 ,2020 I already loss 23 pounds with out any exercise but i drink alot of water and eat littler bit of food
What happens to the excess skin when I lose weight after surgery? Will I have loose skin swinging from my arms? Will I have jelly belly?
The amount of excess skin varies from patient to patient. Factors like duration and amount of excess weight and genetics may determine how much excess skin is left after surgery.
I had my surgery done on April 29. 2019. And till this day I still have a little discomfort in eating. I eat very small portions as I cannot eat a big plate. Like how soon will I heal completely from my Gastric Sleeve process.
Hey Vanessa! I would contact your dietitian in regards to this question. Typically discomfort is caused by taking to big of bites, eating too fast which can result in overeating, and drinking with your meals. You dietitian will be able to go through all of this with you and help identify what is causing the discomfort.
My father had his gastric sleeve in 2013 .he was 525 ponds and by July 2015 he was only 259 pounds …and he he had excess skin he was told because he was very overweight before so when he lost all the weight the skin was an issue. But in his arms and legs it wasn’t because most of his weight was in his stomach area. For him to be a big man for so long. His arms and legs never really was an issue but he was also active with a very low metabolism that caused him to be so over weight. But he carried it well ..the more weight you loose and the faster you loose could be cause for a lot more skin issues..
I’m 6 months post opp from sleeve. I’ve lost 170lbs. Being a nurse I’m on my feet a lot but other than that I don’t excercise a lot do you covid. I’m hoping once it ends I can get to the gym. I hope everyone is doing well.
what was your weight pre-op? and what do you typically eat in a day? congrats!
I’m considering doing this? Could someone tell me, what has been the hardest thing Post-op?
The hardest part for me is the protein and water and not being able to have a drink with my meal. It takes some time to get use to and I thought I would be losing a lot quicker than I am.
My starting weight was 253 and now I’m at 205 or so. I’m 5’8″ and 60 years old.
I’m glad that I did it but my expectations were too high which caused disappointment.
I went from obese 4 x to slender and it was just a matter of time before I gained it back. I would have been slender years ago if I had just not gained any of it back.
I’m actually worried more about maintenance because traditionally that has been the worst part of losing weight for me. I plan on making sure I get a good support group and to continue to educate myself so I don’t gain it back.
If you are significantly overweight and have health issues related to it, I would definitely consider it. First thing to do is check your insurance and to make sure you understand them, I would call them. My insurance paid 100%.
Let me know what you decide.
Hi my name is Lori
I had my surgery on November 5th 2020 and I was wondering why my weight goes up and down a pound.
Hey Lori! Weight loss fluctuations are common from day to day. This is typically due to your food and water consumption from the day prior as well as your physical activity. I would try to only weigh once a week.
How much have u lost? I’m the same
I had surgery Monday (it is now wed) and according to my scale I’ve lost 25 pounds. Does that sound right?
Hey Russell! Losing weight after surgery is common. If you feel like you are losing to much or not enough, I would contact your dietitian :).
Can you drink too much water after surgery. I was really concerned about not staying hydrated…I am still on a liquid diet (first week post-op) but I seem to be able to drink as much as I want…just slower than before.
Hey JR. You can drink to much water at one time, but your stomach will let you know if you did. Typically if you drink more than your stomach can handle it will cause stomach pain, nausea, and maybe even vomiting. If you are not experiencing any of these symptoms while drinking, then you are not taking to big of a sip. 🙂
So excited for you! I love to hear the good stories! My surgery will be next month
I had surgery October 20th, today is November 12th I have lost 30lbs so far with no exercise .I can now eat very little and is slowly gaining my energy back .
Hi Hakeema, do you have any post surgery complications like heartburn or anything else you can share? And good luck on your weight loss journey.
Hi there. I’m getting the gastric sleeve I’m a little worried about gaining the weight back. I work 3rd shift 8pm -8am. My eating has become a nightmare. The times that eat and what I eat. Does anyone have any advice.
Good Morning Belinda! You can always contact your dietitian about this as well. We would love to help :)!
Hello my name is Carlos I’m 33yrs old and I have decided to go for the vsg surgery. right when COVID-19 happen, I used to weight 440lbs I did a very very low carb diet and I lost 35lbs but I hit a Plateau . My weight keeps going up and down and due to our new lifestyle it’s difficult to exercise . What are the things I should expect b4 this surgery . My consultation is nov 6 . I’m excited and nervous
Good Morning Carlos. This would be a topic to discuss with your patient advocate or surgeon. I would contact them with your specific questions :).
Hi there sir, u r gonna go thru a few stages after your initial meeting,u r going to have diet classes, psychology exams, sleep study evals, and heart and physical clearance, but i will b worth it, i had my surgery on December 9th and ive already lost 14 ilbs
How hard is it for 5he 2 week liquid diet before your surgery??
Good Morning Tim. We only require patients to be on a liquid diet the day before surgery :).
I am having the sleeve surgery in December. I have put on a lot of weight due to taking prednisone every day for 6 years. I have Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines etc. I’m 44 years old. Can someone tell me why carbonation is bad? I understand calories and carbs but why can’t we have carbonation?
Good Morning Laurie. Think of the width of the gastric sleeve like the width of a highlighter. Carbonation consists of built up energy, the bubbles, and it will push on your stomach right after surgery. This pushing can can cause pain and reflux in the beginning, but over time the constant pushing will slowly stretch your stomach back out.
I am thinking about getting the sleeve. I am wondering if anyone has any long term medical issues? I know a lot of people who have gained back weight or have had serious medical issues, like pulmonary embolism, hernias, gallbladder issues, hair loss ect. I am desperate to lose weight and have become depressed because of it.
Hey Melissa. Long term complications, like the ones you mentioned, can happen. However, some are related to patients not following dietary and medical recommendations (not drinking hydrating fluids, not eating enough protein, and/or not taking bariatric vitamins, etc). This would be a great topic to discuss with one of our surgeons. The first step to the program is to watch the free online seminar. Then someone will contact you to set you up with an appointment to see the surgeon whom will discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, review your health history, and discuss our process to operation.
I am 53, I am 5’2″ and weigh about 194 lbs. I have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and sarcoidosis. I am on various medication, which includes Preddnisone( which is primarily why I am overweight). I have serious knee pain also, which is something I have never had. Would gastric sleeve surgery be the right decision for me?
Hey Tammy! Those are great qualifiers for the surgery, however they do not guarantee that you will be able to have surgery. Those questions would be for one of our surgeons. The first step to the program is to watch the free online seminar. Then someone will contact you to set you up with an appointment to see the surgeon whom will discuss the pros and cons of each surgery, review your health history, and discuss our process to operation.
You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs|1.
I am having the laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery at the end of this month. I have upper and lower partials and no real teeth in the back. Chewing has its difficulties but I am able to do it. Will this have any effect on my new stomach?
Hey Catrina! You will speak to a dietitian when you start our program. She can help identify foods that may be easier for you to eat, but as long as your are able to chew most foods, this should not be an issue.
I stumbled on this website while searching. Great information. I had gastric sleeve/Duodenal switch on 9/26/20, I actually had the sleeve only 7 years ago. I’m 50 now so it was a little tougher this time for post-op. My question is I feel like I’m stalled in my weight loss. I’m down to 181lbs, but my goal is 160lbs, recently my blood pressure has been spiking and hair loss/breakage is a lot. I’m taking the recommended bariatric multivitamin daily and trying to get in my protein and water, which is difficult daily, i’m going too long in between eating, i just don’t get hungry.
Will continuing to follow the liquid diet increase my weight loss? I am 4 months out and only down by 38lbs
Good Morning Michelle! I would contact your dietitian regarding this. You may be on track or slightly slower than average. They can help identify if there are certain food items coming in that may be causing a decrease in your weight loss.
I had my sleeve on sept 7 th 2020. I am 5’7 and was 248.6 pounds and 3 months later I am 198 pounds. I feel so much better having lost 50.6 pounds already. That is only 33 pounds off my goal weight! I cannot recommend it enough. Just make sure to take vitamins and protein as well as make sure every meal is nutrient packed. You can’t go wrong with that.
Hi, do you have any complications now? Heartburn or anything else? Please share
I had my surgery on October 19 and I’ve lost 30lbs since then but now I feel as though my weight loss has stopped. I wished myself last week and I was at 204 but when I weighed myself this week I’m still at 204 is that normal? I feel like I had such high expectations on losing the weight but now it’s kind of depressing me that it’s stopped. I try to exercise as much as I can but it’s been hard, could that be the reason why my it’s stopped?
Good Morning Aida! I would contact your dietitian regarding this. You may be on track or slightly slower than average. They can help identify if there are certain food items coming in that may be causing a decrease in your weight loss.
I was resleeved this week. Could not do bypass due to adhesions. Has anyone been resleeved, and if so, what kind of weight loss did you have?
I had sleeve surgery 7-27-20 ! I have lost 76lbs ! Is that good ?
Hey Emily! I am unable to tell you if your weight loss means you are on track or behind through our blog. However, contact your dietitian and/or surgeon and they will be able too! 🙂
I had bariatric sleeve done on 12-2-20 and my starting weight was 426 lbs as of today I weight 362 lbs so 64 lbs in a month and a half. weight loss has slowed a little bit but still average 4 to 5 lbs per week. I had lots of nausea right after surgery but very little sine then. I would recommend this to anyone having health issues because of being obese. just make sure you are ready to make a lifestyle change. i can not wait to see where i am at my 6 month weigh in.