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.
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
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 :)!