Vertical Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Timeline
Bariatric surgery helps qualifying patients jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. One of the most common weight loss treatments performed today is gastric sleeve surgery. This procedure reduces the size of the stomach by approximately 90 percent, effectively decreasing the appetite and lowering the risk for diabetes and other obesity-related conditions.
Here, our Tijuana, MX team explores the vertical gastric sleeve weight loss timeline so our patients can be well-informed and know what to expect on their journey.
How Much Weight Will I Lose?
Because each patient is unique, this answer will be different for everyone. In fact, your weight loss progress will depend on several factors, including:
- Dietary choices
- Lifestyle
- Exercise
- Commitment to healthy habits
According to The Obesity Action Coalition, most gastric sleeve patients lose about 60 percent of their excess weight following surgery. However, if you follow the recommended guidelines and commit to a healthier lifestyle, you will likely lose more than 60 percent of your excess weight.
Your Weight Loss Timeline
If you have recently undergone gastric sleeve surgery, or are considering the procedure, you will want to know how much weight loss to expect during the first several months. In the sections below, we will tell you what to anticipate at three, six, 12, and 18 months after your gastric sleeve surgery.
Three Months after Surgery
Once your gastric sleeve surgery is complete, you will begin a liquid diet. As you heal, you will gradually introduce solid foods back into your routine. During this time, most patients notice rapid weight loss, often 30 to 40 pounds in the first three months.
Six Months after Surgery
By the six month-mark, many bariatric surgery patients have already lost about 30 to 40 percent of their excess body weight. At this point, progress may begin to plateau. As time goes on, most individuals shed an average of one to two pounds every week.
Twelve Months after Surgery
At one year, you should be quite close to your goal weight. This can vary for each individual, as everyone is different. However, if you have not suffered any complications, and have been able to commit to heathier habits, you should be able to enjoy significant progress after 12 months.
Eighteen Months after Surgery
The majority of gastric sleeve patients will max out their weight loss around the 18 month-mark. This process is a bit slower compared to those who undergo gastric bypass or other bariatric procedures; in these instances, it is common for patients to lose most of their excess weight after one year.
However, losing weight slower is often considered better, as loose skin and stretch marks are not as prevalent.
Why Results Can Vary
As aforementioned, every patient arrives at our office with a unique set of needs. Therefore, individuals who have certain pre-existing conditions should address these issues prior to bariatric surgery. If they are not treated, the desired results may not be achieved.
Another reason that patients may not lose as much weight is the quality of the surgery. In order to be effective, enough of the stomach must be removed during the procedure. Therefore, it is important to choose an experienced doctor who has performed gastric sleeve surgery a number of times. Dr. Francisco Gonzales is board certified in both general and bariatric surgery, and is well-equipped to address your needs with compassion and accuracy.
Contact Us Today
Are you considering gastric sleeve surgery for weight loss? If so, schedule a visit at Oasis of Hope Bariatrics. Contact us online or give us a call at (619) 690-8417.
