As you look toward the new year, you might be looking at goals and changes that you might want to make. Weight loss may be something that you are thinking about and you may feel frustrated that past diets and exercise haven’t been enough to help you shed the pounds.
Bariatric surgery may be the answer. Along with a gastric bypass or duodenal switch, gastric sleeve surgery is an option. It can help you lose significant weight and put you on the path toward an active, healthy lifestyle. We feel the combination of surgery, diet changes, and physical activity gives you the best chance at long-term weight loss.
What is gastric sleeve surgery?
This is a procedure that removes between 70 and 80 percent of your stomach. When the surgery is complete, your stomach will be the size of a tube or a ‘sleeve’ that looks similar to a hot dog. This surgery is very effective and causes hormone changes within the body that help curb hunger so you eat less.
Gastric sleeve results after 3 months, 6 months, and beyond?
This really depends on your body and your individual goals. Talk to your doctor about what your ideal weight should be after sleeve gastrectomy surgery. Some people can lose 50 to 100 pounds over time. Other people might lose a little less or a little more.
The important thing to keep in mind is that after surgery, there will be some big adjustments to your life that will be key to experiencing a positive result. The amount of weight loss depends on your starting weight and how well you follow the diet and physical activity plans.
This will include following a new diet plan and coming up with a new exercise routine that will keep you active and moving. Eliminating carbohydrates and carbonated drinks is key and instead of eating three big meals a day, you will need to train yourself to eat various smaller meals throughout the day.
Your body – especially your digestive system – goes through a lot of big changes during and after gastric sleeve surgery. That means that how you were eating before surgery won’t work anymore. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to talk to your doctor and nutritionist.
And most importantly, be patient. Although laparoscopic surgery reduces the amount of post-op rehab time, it will still take up to a year or more to reach your target weight. Your new body will be well worth all of the effort that you are going to put into your new lifestyle adjustments.
The weight loss timeline isn’t necessarily dependent on the pounds per week you’ve lost, but that you’ve reached target weight at six, 12, and 18 months post-surgery. That you’re staying on the diet plan and physical activity years after surgery to keep the weight off.
Our team at WeightWise is on your side! We advocate for your health. Contact us today to see if you are a candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. You’ll meet with our bariatric surgeons who will consider your body mass index, discuss your health history, and what your expected weight loss will be.
Gastric sleeve, Duodenal switch, and gastric bypass surgery is just the first step. You will be making wholesale changes to your lifestyle that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Watch our free online seminar and then set up a consultation. We’ll be here for you when you’re ready.