If you are considering having gastric sleeve surgery, you are probably wondering what the expected weight loss after gastric sleeve will mean for you.  The simple answer is that people generally lose about 60% of their excess body weight after gastric sleeve surgery.  However, the total amount lost will vary from person to person.  Having proper expectations and following guidelines to help you meet goals will increase your likelihood of success after the surgery.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery, also referred to as sleeve gastrectomy or vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), is a surgical weight–loss procedure that involves removal of approximately two-thirds of the stomach, leaving a tube or sleeve-shaped stomach.  The smaller stomach, often referred to as a “pouch” or “sleeve,” restricts the amount of food one can consume.  The procedure results in hormonal changes that assist with weight loss.  The resulting weight loss can also contribute to the reduction of risks associated with health-related problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

How Soon Can I Expect Weight Loss After Sleeve Surgery?

Weight loss typically begins in the first few weeks following sleeve surgery.  Twelve to eighteen months following surgery, weight loss slows.  However, by following post-surgical dietary and exercise guidelines, weight can continue to decrease.  Further, weight-related health problems are likely to resolve or have reduced symptoms.  These include joint pain, fatigue, irregular blood sugar levels, irregular menstrual cycles, and high blood pressure.

Calculating Your Expected Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

The amount of weight a person will lose after gastric surgery depends on different factors.  Your current weight, overall health, and gender all play a part in determining expected weight loss.  Further, it’s important to remember that, although most people lose around 60% of their excess weight, the total amount lost will vary.

Excess body weight is the difference between your current weight and what is considered your ideal body weight.  For example, if you weigh 250 lbs. and your ideal body weight is 150 lbs., your excess body weight is 100 lbs.  If you lose 60 % of your excess body weight, this will result in a weight loss of 60 lbs.

Typically, people who have sleeve gastrectomy lose about 25 to 30 pounds the first month after surgery.  After the first month, weight loss is about 5 to 10 pounds each month for the next 12 to 18 months. Remember, these figures are based on average weight loss.  Everyone loses weight differently.

Different tools can help calculate your expected weight loss after gastric sleeve. For example, this calculator can help calculate your ideal weight.

Timeline of Weight Loss Following Gastric Sleeve

Although weight loss following gastric sleeve surgery depends on several factors, there is an average timeline of weight loss that can help you gauge expectations following the procedure.

Surgery Date to Three Months Post-Op

During this period, the post-operative diet will transition gradually from fluids to solids.  The result is rapid weight loss of up to 30-35% of excess weight.

3 Months to Six Months Following Surgery

Weight loss continues during this time, but it will likely be at a slower rate.  Most people can expect to lose an average of 1.5 to 2 pounds each week.

6 Months to One Year

Around the 12-month mark, many people will be approaching goal weight.  By this time, an average of 50-60% of excess weight will be lost.

One Year to 18 Months

Between one year and eighteen months following surgery, weight loss will usually level off.  At this stage, many people have lost 60% or more of excess weight.

After 18 Months

Although the first year to 18 months results in many people losing around 60% of excess body weight, it’s important to have a plan of action to keep the weight off.  Without a plan, it’s easy to fall into old habits of poor nutrition and exercise.

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, stick with your diet, and get your body moving.

Tips for Meeting Expected Weight Loss Goals After VSG

Anyone who has ever had bariatric surgery will tell you that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix or the “easy way out.”

The gastric sleeve is a tool to help you meet your health and weight loss goals.  Having a plan of action and following through will improve your chances of long-term success, which should be your primary goal.

Learn the Basics and Stick With Them  

During the first year after surgery, most people are diligent with their diet and exercise regimens.  This period of recovery from surgery and becoming familiar with their new stomach size and limitations makes it easier to eat proper portions.  However, once a wider variety of foods is tolerable, some people begin to eat more and exercise less.  This results in weight loss plateaus and eventual weight gain.

The most successful bariatric patients learn to implement health-related changes before surgery, not after.  Your surgeon will provide access to nutritional counseling before and after surgery.   Take advantage of this help.  Be sure to ask questions and get answers.

Stay Hydrated  

Drinking water will help you feel full, prevent mistaking thirst for hunger, and will decrease the likelihood of snacking on unhealthy foods.

Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks  

Sugar provides zero nutrients.  It can cause hunger pangs, cause blood sugar fluctuations, and, for some people, may cause dumping syndrome.

Don’t Drink Fluids Immediately Before, During, or After Your Meal

The reduced size of your stomach should be reserved for nutrient-rich, high-quality foods.  Drinking immediately before or during a meal can cause your stomach to be filled with fluid instead of food.  Drinking directly after your meal can cause food to be washed out of the stomach before nutrients can be absorbed.  This will also result in feeling hungry sooner.  It is recommended to separate food and fluid intake by at least thirty minutes before and after meals if it all possible.

Eat Protein First

Protein will help you maintain muscle mass while losing weight. Additionally, it will help you feel full longer after meals.  If you struggle with being able to finish meals, be sure to eat protein first.   Most surgeons recommend patients consume at least 90 grams of protein daily.  Be sure to confirm with your doctor how much protein he/she wants you to have each day.

Don’t Snack  

Snacking between meals can slow your weight loss progress and reduce the likelihood of long-term success.  Avoid processed foods.  If you are starving, have a small meal, but don’t snack between meals.

Chew, Chew, Chew

Large pieces of food can have difficulty passing through the digestive tract following bariatric surgery.  If food gets lodged, it can cause pain.  Also, chewing food thoroughly will help prevent nausea and/or vomiting during and after a meal

Exercise

Inactivity is believed to be a significant factor in obesity and weight gain.  Decreased caloric intake can result in a lowered metabolic rate, which can delay weight loss.  However, regular exercise increases the metabolic rate, which will burn calories and will result in weight loss.

Having a good exercise routine is an essential part of any health and weight loss journey.  Any physical activity that makes your muscles work will help burn calories and reduce body fat.  Physical exercise such as dancing, walking, swimming, or riding a bike can help boost your weight loss by burning fat.

In addition to burning calories and fat, exercise has both physical and mental health benefits.

Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins into the bloodstream.  Endorphins, also referred to as the “happy hormones,” of the body help improve mood and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression and to reduce the perception of pain.

What if I Experience Weight Gain After Sleeve Surgery?

Regaining weight after bariatric surgery is not uncommon.  While proper diet and exercise can help prevent the chances of regaining, if it does occur, don’t give up!

If you are concerned that there are issues with your sleeve or that other health-related issues may be affecting your weight loss, make an appointment to see your primary care provider and/or bariatric surgeon.  Some things you will need to be prepared to address are your activity level, eating habits, and any physical illness or emotional situations that may be affecting your mood regarding weight loss.

Poor Eating Habits Can Lead to Weight Gain

Maintaining healthy eating habits is just as important years after gastric sleeve surgery as it was in the immediate weeks and months following surgery.

Avoid carbohydrates, fatty, and sugar-enriched foods.  Focus on consuming foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Consuming smaller meals more frequently, rather than three large meals daily, helps metabolism, and contributes to feeling fuller longer, which can reduce the risk of snacking between  meals.

Are You an Emotional Eater?

If you are an “emotional eater,” a stressful situation or event may cause you to feel the need to eat for comfort.  Emotional eating is about emotions, not food.  If stress, sadness, or anger make you feel the need to eat, practicing healthy ways of coping may prevent weight gain associated with emotional eating.

It’s important to be kind to yourself.  If you have a bad day and eat a half pack of Oreos, forgive yourself and move on! There is a big difference between acknowledging shortcomings or mistakes and walking around with self-blame.  Beating yourself up because you ate something (or ten) that you shouldn’t have will only add to your stress, which could lead to continued emotional eating.

The key to conquering emotional eating is getting to the source of why you are stressed.  Make a list of things that are bothering you and write a play to take control over those things rather than letting them control you.  If you feel overwhelmed by stress and the effect that it is having on you emotionally and/or physically, consider talking with a counselor.

Having someone to talk to about your feelings can help you understand what’s going on and help you find healthy outlets for your emotions.

Conclusion

While gastric sleeve surgery is not a quick fix for weight loss, the average weight loss of 60% of excess body weight proves that it can be a powerful tool when used responsibly.  Setting goals, following dietary guidelines, and keeping follow-up appointments with your physician can help contribute to long-term success.