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.
Fortunately, WeightWise makes it easy to get the nutrients you need. In particular, we’ve found that protein supplements are an effective and appropriate addition to your post-surgery diet.
Consider high-quality Power Crunch Protein Bars. These are diabetic-friendly and bariatric-friendly products. Each bar contains whey protein with 100% absorption, and they come in a variety of flavors.
You might also try One Bars. These come loaded with 20 grams of protein and are offered in lots of fun flavors.
We can also point you in the right direction when it comes to protein drinks and protein shakes.
Here are some additional tips on losing the weight and keeping it off after gastric sleeve surgery:
- 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.
I had this surgery 18 months ago I lost 70pounds and now have gained 15back I eat healthy watch my portions and workout 6days a week with heavy cardio and weights why is my weight going up it’s like I can’t loose it anymore. Can I get the surgery redone
Muscle weighs more than fat. So if you are eating healthy still and exercising you may not see the numbers on the scale go down for a little while as you are building muscle mass.
It’s been 2 months and my weight goes up and down. I have lost 37 pounds but feel like it should be more. Can’t exercise but 2 days out of a week because of my ankle but eating right I do and eat less. It gets very discouraging when I weight in. Can you tell me what I am doing wrong.
Good Morning Beverly! I would have contact your dietitian regarding this question. That way they can do a full evaluation and provide the appropriate recommendations based off your individual situation.
You’re building muscle.
Contact a dietician. You may not be eating enough calories.
If the scale is going up but your size is remaining the same or getting smaller you may be experiencing the replacement of fat with lean muscle
Eat less again. At 18 months after the surgery your stomach is in its final shape and from this point you have to reduce your food intake again until you get to that point where you are able to maintain your weight.
Im really.sad that I had the sugary on may 13th and its may 30th and Im only down 17 pounds i went from 237 to 220 what can I do?
Good Morning Heather! It is very common to not lose much weight the first 6 weeks post-op. This is due to your body healing from a major surgery. Typically after 6 weeks is when patients notice an increase in their weight loss.
Hello. I had the surgery January 14 of this year. I lost 15 lbs. In not dropping any more weight . I’m eating my 1/4 cup food at each meal. Why am I not dropping weight?
Hey Barbara! I would contact your dietitian regarding this question. They will be able to dive a little deeper into what you are eating, your fluid intake, and provide you with recommendations accordingly :).
I’m a large man I have lost weight but that’s been fat but have gained weight I working out so I had to get a workout plan that worked on weight loss not muscle gain going to the gym doesn’t mean we are working out the right way good luck be safe and happy with yourself is a big part of it all
This is happening with my wife now she got this sleeve surgery on Jan this year she lost 25 lbs and allthe sudden she us been over a month not losing any thing at all
It seamed like soon she switch from fluid meals to regular food he body stop losing weights
Any recommendations
Jamesimalak@gmail.com
Hey James! I would have your wife contact her dietitian. That way they can fully evaluate her diet and fluid intake. After doing so, the dietitian can make recommendations based on that information.
You will have stalls in your weight loss. Stick to the plan and it will start falling off again.
now its april, and wondering if you have continued to lose or if your still stuck?
I am 5 months in and I have lost 40 lbs , I have stopped on ocassions, I have found I am not eating enough so my body doesnt burn but store because it has to have fuel to burn and if I dont give it enough it doesnt burn anything, make sure it is the right food intake, get with your dr or dietition for correct food intake or what maybe your issue
I find that drinking water is the most important thing it helps food go through your body and eating lots of protein and if you can exercise it will help you I’ve only lost 31 pounds but I figure it’s better than gaining 31 pounds and I had my surgery 2 months ago I’m just going to persevere and do the best I can do I understand about your ankle cuz my knee kills me but I just tape it up and keep it moving good luck keep me posted dpolitano56@gmail.com
Hello I was having that issue until I increased my protein intake. I drink shakes and eat bars. As well as peanut butter and 4-6 oz of meat and 5 or 6 days per week
Hello, I am debating if I should get gastric sleeve surgery, but I’m too scared if I lose too much weight . My height is 5’3 and I weight 190 lbs. 21 y/o
Hi I’m 57 5’1” and was 183 on 11/19/20 I got VSG and now weigh 156. I hope that by the 6 month mark I weigh 144. I would not worry about loosing too much. Your body will adjust. Just eat healthy – lots of protein and veggies. Force yourself not to snack until all your healthy food is in and by then there is little to no room for junk. I ate a half of a cookie and stopped where in the past I would have eaten the whole bag.
I am also in the same situation. Just weighing slightly more than you. I am worried about losing too much weight and going down to like 6 stone!
You may not weigh enough to qualify for surgery.
I hope you will see this answer
You can’t lose to much weight. Our body’s are some amazing machine and when you lose enough weigh you losing weight will stop. If you have a drastic diet and lose more your body will start restocking nutrients and you gain a little bit weight until you get to a normal BMI
I’ve met with my surgeon and I’m deciding on the sleeve or the bypass. He said either one would be okay with him. I have about 125lbs of excess weight to lose. I’m ready to change my life. I’ve lost about 60lbs since last year. I’m wondering which procedure will drop the most weight the quickest? Please help.
Good Morning Amy! Both procedures will cause you to drop weight. However, losing to quickly is not a good thing. Many times we have patients add in a few high protein snacks to slow down their weight loss to ensure that they do not lose to much muscle mass or notice a significant decrease in their energy levels. In terms of which surgery is best for you, that would be a great discuss to have with your operating physician.
I am having the sleeve in a couple of months abs I hope I can lose at least 104 pounds as my goal… can you tell me what are the best foods to eat??? Any vitamins???
Good Morning Kim! I would eliminate all sweets, starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, corn, and winter squash), fruit, and sweet beverages (milk, juice, etc.). Meaning stick to protein and non-starchy vegetables for your meals and have 1-2 protein based snacks if you need them. In terms of vitamins, I always recommend a multivitamin and probiotic (not gummies) prior to surgery :).
The dietitian will give you a full diet with everything you’re allowed for every day, every meal and quantity. You don’t have to be worry.
Good Morning Amy! Both procedures result in about the same weight loss. Neither should cause weight to drop at a quicker in comparison to the other.
I recommend the sleeve because gastric bypass is irreversible and you end up with all sorts of malabsorption and malnutrition issues. You have to take a tons of supplements because your body doesn’t absorb nutrients as easily. People I know who have had gastric bypass always look so sickly afterwards, and people who have just had gastric sleeve look healthier. Fastest rate of weight loss is not the most important consideration (especially considering that 50% of patients regain the weight within 5 years after surgery).
I am trying to figure out whether it is better to do the sleeve or gastric bypass. I’m 5”4 / 197 pounds
Good Morning! That would be a great question to discuss with our operating physicians. 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. They will also go over any questions/concerns that you may have at this time.
You can watch the seminar online at https://weightwise.com/seminars/#seminar-tabs
The sleeve because you dont have that much to go the bypass will make u loss too fast that for like 400+
That’s not true where did you get your information? I was 232 lbs At 4’4” had bypass its perfect Because it helped with my Gerd and I am not losing too much or too fast
Hello I had the sleeve almost a month ago I am 5’2 and was 240lbs, since surgery I am 28 lbs down and feel Great
I’m having sleeve surgery March 24th. I’m focused ready to start a new life style. I have friends with great stories.
good luck hun, its the best thing ever. the 1st 90 days are hard. but once u see the weight dropping that will make u go harder. my 1st month i lost 25 pounds
Hi Carm. How did your surgery go? Hope your recovery has been steady and swift. How do you feel now that you are post-op?
hello I had the sleeve done September 8th of 2020 I was at my highest 231.4. i lost 51.4 pounds and i feel great. I’m at 180 trying to reach my goal at 160. i must say trying to pass 180 been hard, i been 180 going on 2 months.
I’ve done great with my sleeve had surgery a month ago and the I’ve lost 40lbs and only eating 1/4 cup of food
Holy cow Christina! That’s awesome!!!
Wow that’s great May 19 21 I will have the sleeve done. I hope I do as good as u are doing.
You will do great! I had the sleeve 11/20. My highest weight was 250lbs. I am now 186lbs. You will have stalls, no worries keep moving forward. Your body will restart itself and you will begin to loose again. Stay encouraged and Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint.😊
Hello Susie I had the sleeve 3 1/2 weeks ago and I’m down almost 30lbs, 28 to be exact and I am enjoying my journey, wish I had done it sooner best thing ever, Wishing you the Best!
I am scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery on April 29th and I have to say I am excited and nervous at the same time I’m 5 foot 4 and weigh 245 lb
You are 10lbs less than me! My surgery will not be till the fall as I am just starting the process. I keep flip flopping on my decision to have it done 😀 Good luck to you!
I just started process i am 5’3 and 227 lbs. Doctor said sleeve is best for me as i a have been a smoker. But cannot due to surgery. Im doing the dietician appointments for next few months medicaid requires it to pay for it. They only cover it if your 40%BMI OR 35-39 with at least 1 cormorbidity. So hopefully process goes well.
I had my surgery in April 27. I’m 5 4” and started at 230. I lost 10lbs pre-surgery with protein shakes. Down another 12 lbs since surgery and feel great.
You’ll get there, everyone. I had the sleeve in November of 2017. My highest weight at 5’3” was 265 (about 47 BMI). I was 199 pounds day of surgery after a lower carb diet plan helped me lose weight while I jumped through insurance hoops. I am now 124 pounds with a normal BMI of 22. My initial goal weight was 145. I met that and had skin removal surgery, including a breast lift, arms, and a tummy tuck. I have lost 20+ pounds since, so my belly skin is looser again and my boobs are much smaller than I planned. Moral of the story: You can be so successful with weight loss surgery!!! Try to stick to the pre-surgery diet to get into good habits and lose as much as you can before surgery. You’re statistically more likely to be successful if you do so. Finally, if you plan to have skin removal, don’t do it until you are certain you’re at the weight you intend to maintain.
Hello 😊 I am a 42 y/o Woman standing at 5″5′ and 235lbs. I’ve been debating for sometime if i should get surgery done and i must say reading everyone’s stories have been very encouraging. Looking forward to my appointment next week.
Keep up the great work and continue sharing!
I am about to have VSG, how long after surgery can I start exercising?
I know excess skin is always a issue, Is there anything that can help with this?
Hey LucyLuLu! You can start walking almost immediately after surgery. We just advice patients to stop if they notice any pain and/or uncomfortableness. In terms of lifting weights, we typically recommend waiting to do us until you are over 1 year post-op.
Hi My Name is Cheryl and for anyone experiencing weight gain after the Gastric Surgery,,,, my surgery was 8 years ago the Gastric Sleeve and I gained 30 of the pounds i lost back, so disappointed in my self, I Researched and decided, ( Intermittent Fasting) was best for Me (Disclaimer ) I’m not saying this may work for you, but for me it did, and it became a way of life and more discipline for me do your research please and ask your doctor, I totally shrunk my Pouch back and I in a matter of Days then I kept Going Im Below my Goal Weight and I feel blessed to keep this weight off and so its a true way to control, if you overeat, you know what to do and do not,,,, Be Hard On your self,,, I just wanted to Share every One Stay Safe, God Bless.
Hi all! I’m 70 and going for my first appointment about bariatric surgery today. I am 5’1″ and weigh close to 240. I’m hoping this will work for me as dieting has failed me in the last year. I am concerned that I will begin to have related problems if I don’t do something about my weight. For the first time in my life, I feel my weight is affecting my life.
I’m 48 years old and I’m currently in the beginning stages of the process. I’m both excited and nervous. any tips you can all give me.
Hello, my name is Bonnie. I am 5’1 and my top weight was 380lbs. I have been working for years to get the weight off. I went to a bariatric specialist, and using medications, diet changes and exercise I lost a lot of weight. I got down to 240lbs. Then I started gaining it back, not working the plan, blamed the pandemic, bottom line is stopped losing. So I made the decision to get the gastric sleeve surgery. But it being the pandemic it took from August of 2020 to May 5th 2021 to finally get it done. In the meantime I gained back to 274, then got back to 255 on the day of surgery. This is the first week, so I’m still on clear liquids. I am following the diet, walking at least twice a day and I’m feeling pretty good. But this diarrhea is killing me, and this morning, 5 days after surgery I vomited for the first time. Man that was painful. Anyways, I turned 51 in April, so I am wondering how much success I should expect? I have been doing the low carb, high protein for the better part of 4 years now with some success, and I do go to the gym at least 3 times a week. Any advice? Are my expectations too high? My goal weight is 125lbs.
Today (June 7, 2021) marks exactly 3 weeks since my gastric sleeve surgery. I have lost 27 1/2 pounds. I did have a stall last week. One thing I am now doing, so I don’t get discouraged or bummed out with stalls (which are normal), is to only weigh myself once a week on Monday. If I really feel the need to weigh myself again I’ll do it on Thursdays. I was becoming too obsessive with the number on the scale, which was not healthy. I am still only on thick liquids per my Drs orders (protein shakes and water). I can’t do the runny cream of wheat b/c it doesn’t sit right. I’m desperately trying to get my daily water intake in, but I’m lucky if I hit 46 ounces. I am also walking 30-40 minutes every day. Once my incisions fully heal, I will slowly try to start swimming laps. My friend who had weight loss surgery years ago, was able to start dropping a lot when she eased her way into swimming.
I also went on to Etsy and bought some great pdf food journals, weight loss trackers, etc. for cheap. So I’ve written out my goals, tracked my weight, measurements, and even wrote out my “rewards” for each weight loss milestone.
Everyone’s bodies are different, so we can’t compare someone’s weight loss to ours. We must persevere and do our absolute best to see what works for us individually and keep our hope. I
I am 5’7” and 204lbs. My BMI is 31.9. I am 57 years old. I have gained about 60lbs over the last few years. All of my life I have had a huge appetite and it’s getting worse. When I was a kid I would eat a lot but I remained slim because I was so active. Now as I age I am gaining weight. I have not been successful at dieting. I find it overwhelming to think about losing 60lbs. My weight gain is ruining my life. I won’t go out to socialize. I have isolated myself and feel very depressed. This compounds my weight gain. I am gaining weight every day. I want to live my life and not be so depressed about my weight. I am home all the time, work from home doing taxes. I have a closet full of clothes that don’t fit me. I live in sweats and t shirts. I want to feel better. I have a family history of diabetes. I am alone all day and night. I am feeling desperate and overwhelmed. I don’t know what to do to dig myself out of this. I am considering the sleeve but I’m nervous.
Today (June 7, 2021) marks exactly 3 weeks since my gastric sleeve surgery. I have lost 27 1/2 pounds. I did have a stall last week. One thing I am now doing, so I don’t get discouraged or bummed out with stalls (which are normal), is to only weigh myself once a week on Monday. If I really feel the need to weigh myself again I’ll do it on Thursdays. I was becoming too obsessive with the number on the scale, which was not healthy. I am still only on thick liquids per my Drs orders (protein shakes and water). I can’t do the runny cream of wheat b/c it doesn’t sit right. I’m desperately trying to get my daily water intake in, but I’m lucky if I hit 46 ounces. I am also walking 30-40 minutes every day. Once my incisions fully heal, I will slowly try to start swimming laps. My friend who had weight loss surgery years ago, was able to start dropping a lot when she eased her way into swimming.
I also went on to Etsy and bought some great pdf food journals, weight loss trackers, etc. for cheap. So I’ve written out my goals, tracked my weight, measurements, and even wrote out my “rewards” for each weight loss milestone.
Everyone’s bodies are different, so we can’t compare someone’s weight loss to ours. We must persevere and do our absolute best to see what works for us individually and keep our hope.
I had the bypass Jan 28 2021 starting weight day of surgery 300 I’ve lost 73 pounds is that good I’m 5’1 and female age 51 on this Wednesday
Good Morning Toni! I think your weight loss sounds great! However, I would speak with your dietitian in regards to this for a more accurate answer :).
I had my Surgery on Apr 30 2021. When I started my Pre-op diet I weighed 397 pounds and on the day of surgery i was 370. Since then I have lost 52 pounds and weigh 318 pound. In the first couple of weeks I lost well over 10 pounds each week but since then it’s been around 5.5 pounds a week. I would love to be losing more but am happy that I have achieved consistent weight loss so far.