How Soon after Weight Loss Surgery Will I Lose Weight?

If you are considering your bariatric surgery options, it is very common to wonder how soon you can expect to lose weight after surgery. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas is often asked this question by other prospective candidates for surgery. It is difficult to provide an exact answer because every patient is different and has a unique set of circumstances.

Factors That Affect Weight Loss after Surgery

How quickly you lose weight after surgery (and the amount that you lose) will depend on factors such as your age, gender, starting weight, activity level and how well you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding diet and exercise. Most patients find that they lose weight quickly in the first three months immediately following surgery, and then weight loss starts to gradually taper off after that.

The type of procedure that you have also factors into how fast you can expect to lose weight. Patients who opt for adjustable gastric banding procedures normally lose weight at a slower pace than those who have gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.

How Doctors Think about Weight Loss Results

The amount of weight you lose may be thought of in terms of percentages — specifically, the percentage of your excess weight lost. Your excess weight is the difference between your current weight and your ideal weight. For example, if you are 45 kilograms overweight, and you lose around 22kg in 12 to 18 months after surgery, you will have lost 50 percent of your excess weight. This is a reasonable target to hit; although, some people lose more, and others less, than 50 percent of their excess weight.

Keys to Success

You will work closely with your doctor and a team of nutritionists, fitness experts and psychologists to learn the keys to success after weight loss surgery. In general, it is important that you:

• Exercise as soon as you are cleared by your doctor(s)
• Follow the dietary guidelines prepared for you
• Make smart choices when preparing meals
• Avoid snacking in between meals
• Drink the recommended amount of water every day
• Avoid sugary, flavored or carbonated beverages
• Attend all follow-up appointments and check-ins

Request More Information about Weight Loss Surgery

For more information about weight loss surgery with Dr. Kuzinkovas, please contact Advanced Surgicare by calling on 1300 551 533 or emailing on info@advancedsurgicare.com.au today.