The best choice for treating long-term obesity is bariatric surgery. It helps people lose weight and improves their quality of life.
The objective of bariatric surgery is to help a patient achieve and maintain a healthy body mass index BMI to help them lose weight and improve their health. It’s likely that patients who choose gastric sleeve surgery have tried and failed to lose weight with the conventional diet and exercise regimen. The main advantage of weight loss surgery is that it is an effective tool for assisting people in losing weight and doing it more quickly than conventional techniques.
The gastric sleeve is among the bariatric procedures carried out most frequently. Many people who undergo gastric sleeve surgery sustain significant weight loss over time. But what is the average weight loss 6 months after gastric sleeve surgery? Let’s find out!
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What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Laparoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (LSG) has risen to the top of weight loss procedures over the past several years. The stomach size is reduced by roughly 70–80% after a gastric sleeve. The stomach is surgically divided into two sections, with the remaining tissue being stitched together to form a tiny pouch. This limits the number of calories and nutrients entering the digestive tract.
Compared to gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery has a higher success rate, is less complicated, and carries fewer risks. LSG necessitates a 1-3 day hospital stay and a considerable healing period of roughly 4-6 weeks.
The patient can only eat enough food after having a gastric sleeve because of the smaller stomach. Furthermore, the treatment eliminates the part of the stomach that creates ghrelin, the hormone that makes people feel hungry. The feeling of satiety lasts longer in the smaller stomach because it empties more slowly.
Average Weight Loss Result
In most cases, patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery lose 50% to 60% of their excess body weight in 12 to 18 months. Patients may lose more weight if they faithfully adhere to their activity and food regimens. Results may vary from patient to patient depending on initial BMI, weight-related health conditions, age, and other variables.
For people who are obese, both gastric sleeve surgery and non-surgical endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can lead to significant weight loss. Each operation may have a slightly different timetable for weight loss. Still, if the patient is committed to sticking to their diet and exercise routine, they have a good chance of succeeding in losing weight and keeping it off in the long run.
Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Timeline
Patients typically reach or surpass the typical monthly weight loss after gastric sleeve surgery during the first month after surgery. Most weight loss happens in the first three months with a change in eating habits and adherence to the post-surgical diet.
Most individuals lose an average of 2-4 pounds per week for the first six to twelve months after surgery. As a result, the average monthly weight loss following gastric sleeve ranges from 8 to 16 lbs.
Everyone is unique, even though some weight loss patterns can be seen after a gastric sleeve. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might lose more or less weight.
According to statistics, weight loss rates following gastric sleeve surgery appear to follow a timeline. These milestones were more noticeable at three, six, twelve, and eighteen months.
- The fastest weight loss occurred over the first three months.
- Patients should have lost 30–40% of their excess weight by the end of the first six months. After six months, weight loss levels off, and patients typically lose 1 to 2 pounds each month.
- Patients should be near their ideal weight at the 12-month mark if they haven’t already achieved it.
- At 18 months, weight loss typically enters a maintenance phase and reaches a plateau. To accelerate weight loss, the patient’s routine must be modified. The patient can maintain this weight with the correct diet, lifestyle, and exercise.
Is Weight Loss Permanent?
Some patients fear they will gain the weight back even though they lose a lot on average per month after having a gastric sleeve. Research shows that those who regain weight don’t eat right or exercise. Thus, weight increase after surgery is likely but not usually a consequence.
Good nutrition, vitamins, and exercise help prevent weight gain after gastric sleeve. Patients neglect supplements. Surgery requires lifelong supplementation. This improves vitamin and mineral absorption.
How to Maintain Your Weight After Surgery
Many habits might help you lose weight after gastric sleeve. One is exercise. Exercise after gastric sleeve surgery helps maintain weight loss.
For the first month after surgery, only walk. Walking aids recuperation and cardio fitness. Know your training frequency and intensity. You can resume most forms of exercise, including aerobic and weight lifting, four to six months after surgery.
Another technique to keep reducing weight after surgery is through diet. It’s crucial to stick to your post-operative diet.
Here is the four-phase diet plan that comes after a gastric sleeve.
Phase I – Full Liquid
The objective of the phase 1 diet is to avoid post-operative problems while ensuring appropriate protein intake for wound healing, preserving hydration, and giving vitamins and minerals.
Phase II – Pureed Food
Phase 2 is the initial phase of adding actual food to your diet (as opposed to a supplemental diet). You can obtain the nutrition you require without running the risk of damaging suture lines and staple lines by concentrating on nutrient-dense foods with Gastrointestinal tract-friendly textures.
Phase III – Soft Food
Phase 3 requires you to concentrate on eating three meals a day without mindlessly snacking. If you feel full before eating, you should stop because the 2-3 ounce meal size is a maximum rather than a minimum.
Phase IV – Stabilization Diet
You will be able to eat food with a regular consistency at this stage in your recovery from surgery. You must still exercise discipline in your eating habits and strive to reach your ideal weight.
For all surgical treatment types, Phase 4 starts six months following surgery.
Final Thoughts
A gastric sleeve patient typically loses 8 to 16 pounds every month in the first six months following surgery. In the first six months, patients lose excess weight on average by 50%. Patients typically experience a 60% reduction in extra weight at the one-year mark. At the 2-year point, the excess weight has decreased by an average of 65%. But if not disciplined enough to follow a diet may result in weight gain.