Expected Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery (with Timeline)

The weight loss expectation after bariatric surgery can vary. In this article, we examine the weight loss expectations after Gastric Band, Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS), and Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing (SIPS) surgeries. Then, we dive into rough guidelines of a weight loss surgery timeline of when you can expect to lose weight.

How Much Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery?

Gastric Band Expected Weight Loss

Gastric band surgery involves placing an adjustable band around your stomach's upper portion. This restricts food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness earlier on. You can expect to lose 40-60% of your excess weight within one to two years following the procedure. Remember, how much weight you lose depends on things like your starting weight, how well you stick to the new lifestyle, and how your body responds to the surgery.

Gastric Bypass Expected Weight Loss

Gastric bypass surgery, specifically the Roux-en-Y (RYGB) procedure, creates a smaller stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of your small intestine. This two-part process helps you eat less and absorb fewer calories, which leads to big weight loss. On average, you can expect to lose 60-80% of your excess weight within two years after surgery. But even with this surgery, you still need to make lifestyle changes. You should eat well and exercise regularly.

Gastric Sleeve Expected Weight Loss

Sleeve gastrectomy, also called gastric sleeve surgery, removes a big part of your stomach. It leaves a small, banana-shaped pouched stomach. This not only limits how much you eat but also affects your hunger hormones, which helps you lose weight. Following gastric sleeve surgery, you can anticipate shedding 60-70% of your excess weight over a period of one to two years. As with other bariatric surgeries, your personal results will rely on your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS) Expected Weight Loss

BPD-DS is a complicated surgery. It makes the stomach smaller and changes how the intestines work. This helps limit how much food you can eat and how many nutrients your body absorbs. Due to its dramatic effects on weight loss, BPD-DS is typically reserved for patients with a higher starting BMI. You can expect to lose 70-80% of your excess weight within one to three years post-surgery. After this surgery, make sure to follow your surgeon's dietary advice to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery (SIPS) Expected Weight Loss

SIPS is a modified version of the duodenal switch procedure and shares many similarities with the gastric bypass. It consists of a gastric sleeve component and a selective intestinal bypass. After SIPS surgery, you can anticipate losing about 60-80% of your excess weight within two years. Your results with bariatric procedures depend on how well you follow lifestyle and dietary changes.

What Is The Average Weight Loss Per Month After Bariatric Surgery?

The amount of weight lost each month after bariatric surgery can vary. It depends on the procedure and individual factors. It is common to experience rapid weight loss in the first month, with the rate gradually slowing down in subsequent months.

• The first month: The most significant weight loss typically occurs in the first month after surgery. You may lose between 5 to 15 pounds per week, resulting in an average weight loss of 20 to 40 pounds for the first month.
• 3 to 6 months: After the initial rapid weight loss, you can expect a slower, steadier rate of weight loss. On average, you may lose 8 to 12 pounds per month during this time.
• 6 to 12 months: As your body adjusts and adapts to the changes from surgery, the rate of weight loss will continue to decrease but still remains steady. On average, you may lose 5 to 8 pounds per month during this period.

Keep in mind that these values are just averages. Individual results can differ because of age, gender, weight, and following advice for diet and exercise.

How Quickly Will I Lose Weight After Bariatric Surgery?

Immediately After Surgery

During the first few days after surgery, you may notice some initial weight loss due to the removal of fluids and a restricted diet. However, this is not a significant amount, and it is important to focus on healing and following your surgeon's instructions.

One Month After Surgery

By one month post-surgery, you should start noticing more significant weight loss. Depending on your starting weight and the type of surgery, you may lose between 5-15% of your excess body weight. Remember to follow your prescribed diet plan and exercise regimen, as your body is still adjusting to its new digestive system.

Three Months After Surgery

By three months after surgery, you can expect to lose around 25-35% of your excess body weight. You should have settled into your new dietary and exercise habits, which are essential for maintaining weight loss. As you continue to lose weight, you may notice improvements in your overall health, such as increased energy and better sleep.

Six Months After Surgery

At the six-month mark, you may have lost about 45-55% of your excess body weight. By now, your body has significantly adjusted to the changes brought on by the surgery. Make sure to keep monitoring your weight and stay consistent with your diet and exercise to maintain your weight loss progress.

One Year After Surgery

At one year post-surgery, most patients lose around 65-75% of their excess body weight. You should have reached a steady state in your weight loss journey, having adapted to your new lifestyle and maintaining your new weight. In the first year, it's important to go to follow-up appointments and stay accountable to your healthcare team.

18 Months and Beyond After Surgery

By 18 months and beyond, you typically reach your maximum weight loss, which varies for each individual. From this point onwards, focus on maintaining a stable weight, as you have likely lost at least 75% of your excess body weight. It's important to continue living healthy to maintain weight loss and benefit from bariatric surgery.

Keeping Off The Weight Long-Term

After undergoing bariatric surgery, you may be able to achieve significant weight loss and transform your life. However, it's crucial to commit to a healthy lifestyle for long-term weight maintenance. Let's discuss some strategies that can help you sustain your weight loss success.

Adopting a Balanced Diet: Consuming a nutritious and well-balanced diet is a vital aspect of maintaining your weight after surgery. Focus on consuming lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Portion control is also necessary to avoid consuming too many calories.

Develop a Regular Exercise Routine: Engaging in routine physical activity is essential for long-term weight loss success. To stay fit and in shape, do both aerobic activities (like walking or swimming) and resistance exercises (like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises).

Monitor Your Progress: Keeping track of your weight, body mass index (BMI), and goal weight allows you to assess your adherence to your post-surgery plan. Make it a habit to check these metrics regularly and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Establish a Support System: Having a reliable support network of friends, family, and healthcare professionals will help you remain accountable and motivated as you navigate the challenges of lifestyle changes. Participating in support groups or online forums can help you connect with people who relate to you.

If you follow these strategies, you can improve your chances of losing weight after surgery. Making lifestyle changes takes dedication and persistence, but the rewards are worth it. This is especially true after going through all the work and stress related to a weight loss surgery and healing well.

How Long Does It Take To Lose 100 Pounds After Gastric Bypass?

Losing 100 pounds after gastric bypass surgery can happen in 12-18 months. However, the time it takes depends on your situation and commitment. Many individuals lose the majority of their excess weight within 12-18 months. The speed at which you lose weight after surgery depends on factors such as your initial weight, age, diet, and physical activity.

Your dietitian will work closely with you to create a customized meal plan that aligns with your nutritional needs after surgery. Adhering to this plan is critical for your long-term success and health. You can also improve your results and well-being by adding exercise to your routine over time.

It's important to have realistic expectations about your weight loss journey. While gastric bypass surgery can lead to significant improvements in coexisting health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obstructive sleep apnea, it's not a guaranteed quick fix. The surgery acts as a tool to help manage these conditions, but your active participation is required for remission and overall improvement.

Following your surgery, you might experience a period of rapid weight loss, but this pace often slows over time. For some people, additional weight loss may plateau, requiring adjustments in diet or exercise routines. Staying in touch with your healthcare team, including your dietitian and surgeon, is important. They can help you with any complications or challenges you may face.

Mental well-being plays an essential role in weight loss as well. It is important to address depression and emotional eating to reach and maintain goals after gastric bypass surgery. Working with mental health professionals or support groups can significantly bolster your psychological resilience during this transformative journey.

Remember that your weight loss journey is unique. While comparisons with others may arise, it's crucial to focus on your progress and goals. By following the professional guidance of your healthcare team and committing to a new, healthy lifestyle, you'll be well on your way to achieving substantial weight loss in a sustainable manner.

Also Read: How to Maximize Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery