Expected Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Expected Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery

Losing weight can be a challenging journey, especially for those struggling with obesity. Bariatric surgery is a weight-loss procedure that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves changing the stomach's size and/or rerouting the intestine. 

After the surgery, patients can experience significant weight loss that can improve their overall health and quality of life.

In this blog post, we will explore the typical weight loss results after bariatric surgery and what factors affect them. So, whether you're considering bariatric surgery or want to learn more about its results, this post is for you!

Understanding Bariatric Surgery

The first step in comprehending weight loss after bariatric surgery is understanding the types of procedures available. The most common bariatric surgeries are the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch. 

These procedures involve reducing the size of the stomach and/or rerouting the small intestine to limit the amount of food and calories absorbed by the body. It's important to consult a bariatric surgeon to determine what procedure is best for you personally. 

After surgery, patients can expect significant weight loss, with an average of 60-70% excess weight loss within the first year. However, it's important to understand that weight loss is not automatic and is affected by many factors like diet, physical activity, and pre-existing medical conditions. ollow-up care and consultations with a bariatric surg

Going to follow up appointments with your surgeon or dietitian are key to the success of your weight loss journey.

Average Weight Loss with Gastric Sleeve

When it comes to bariatric surgery, the gastric sleeve procedure is one of the most popular options. On average, patients can expect to lose about 60% of their excess weight in the first year after surgery. 

This translates to an average weight loss of 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg) per week for the first 6-12 months.

While individual results can vary based on factors like current weight and overall health, factors like diet and exercise also play a role in reaching your goal and long-term success. 

Average Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass

People that have the gastric bypass can expect to lose about 70% of their excess weight. This means that if a patient has 100 pounds of excess weight, they can expect to lose around 70 pounds after surgery. 

Weight loss usually begins immediately after surgery, with most patients losing two to three pounds a week during the first year. At six months post-surgery, patients can expect to have lost around 30% to 40% of their excess weight. 

The gastric bypass is a highly effective weight-loss surgery that can result in patients losing between 50% to 90% of their excess body weight five years after surgery. 

Average Weight Loss with Duodenal Switch

When it comes to bariatric surgery, the Duodenal Switch procedure stands out as one of the most effective in terms of weight loss.

According to different studies and reports, patients who have the Duodenal Switch surgery can typically expect to lose between 70% and 90% of their excess body weight. 

The fastest weight loss usually happens within the first six months to 1 year after surgery and goal weight loss typically happens between 12-18 months after surgery.

By two years after the surgery, patients can lose anywhere between 75-85% of their excess weight, and over the next three years maintain that weight loss. It's clear that for those looking for significant weight loss, the Duodenal Switch procedure is a potent option to think about.

Weight Loss Timeline after Bariatric Surgery

After having bariatric surgery, the weight loss timeline can be an important factor for patients to understand.

Generally, patients can expect to experience rapid weight loss in the first few months post-surgery. After that, the rate of weight loss tends to slow down, but most patients continue to lose weight for at least 2-3 years after the procedure. 

Weight loss stalls can happen, but it is important to continue to be consistent with your diet and exercise routine. If there is ever any concern about not losing enough weight, always contact Central California Surgery to meet with a dietitian.

Factors Affecting Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery

When it comes to weight loss after bariatric surgery, several factors come into play. While some patients experience significant weight loss, others may not see the results they expected.

Factors such as age, type of surgery, pre-operative BMI, food choice, ability to exercise, and other health conditions have been shown to influence post-surgery weight loss.

Consultations and Follow-Up Care with Bariatric Surgeon

After undergoing bariatric surgery, a patient's journey towards successful long-term weight loss continues with follow-up care with a bariatric surgeon.

Close monitoring and support from healthcare professionals like dietitians and psychologists are so important for healing and weight loss. 

It's important to keep your scheduled appointments and stay in close communication with your bariatric team in order to reach your weight loss and overall health goals.

Author
Katie Ott, MS, RD

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