How is the rate of weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy surgery?

You have probably decided to have surgery, but you have some questions, including weight loss rate after sleeve gastrectomy. In this article, we will examine all the stops that are important in the postoperative process under a separate heading for you.

First of all, let’s start with what sleeve gastrectomy is, who it is suitable for and its effect on weight loss.

Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy and Weight Loss Relationship

Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical method that is frequently used in the treatment of obesity and gives effective results. In this procedure, approximately 75-80% of the stomach is removed and the stomach is turned into a long and thin tube-shaped structure. With this reduction in your stomach, your daily calorie intake will be significantly reduced as you will feel satiated with smaller portions. This reduction in stomach volume will also reduce the release of hormones that control appetite and thus the appetite of the person will decrease significantly.

This surgery, which is especially recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 and above, that is, morbid obesity, is also used in individuals with serious health problems such as obesity-related diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea.

However, weight loss expectations should be determined correctly before surgery. Patients usually lose 60-70% of their excess weight within the first year after surgery. However, in order to achieve a successful result in the long term, adopting healthy eating habits after surgery, exercising regularly and adapting to lifestyle changes are the most important components of this process.

Postoperative Weight Loss Process

The weight loss process after sleeve gastrectomy surgery starts quite quickly. After the operation, you switch to a liquid nutrition period under the guidance of your doctor and your calorie intake is significantly reduced. Some patients can lose 5 to 10 kilos in the first two weeks. During this period, the body loses a large amount of water, which also contributes to weight loss.

The first 3 months after surgery is one of the fastest periods of weight loss. In this process, it is possible to lose an average of 8-12 kg per month. The digestive system, which adapts to the shrinkage of the stomach, accelerates weight loss with fast metabolism against limited calorie intake.

While rapid weight loss continues for the first 6 months, towards the end of the year, this rate follows a more balanced course and slows down slightly. Patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy surgery usually lose 60-70% of their excess weight at the end of one year. However, the weight loss process of each individual is different. Keep in mind that this process may vary depending on your metabolism, eating habits, physical activity level and lifestyle.

Factors Affecting the Rate of Weight Loss

Now let’s take a closer look at the factors affecting the rate of weight loss:

BMI (Body Mass Index): One of the most important factors affecting weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy is the preoperative body mass index. The higher the BMI value, the faster the weight loss after surgery. For example, people with a preoperative BMI of 40 and above can lose more weight than people with a lower BMI.

Nutrition Habits: Postoperative lifestyle and eating habits greatly affect the continuity of the weight loss process. People who continue to eat unhealthy diets may encounter difficulties in the weight loss process. Protein-based nutrition, low carbohydrate consumption and adequate fluid intake will be effective in accelerating weight loss.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular exercise not only accelerates weight loss after surgery, but also prevents muscle loss. It is recommended to start with light brisk walks in the postoperative period and should be supported by more intense exercises over time. Exercise plays a critical role in sustaining weight loss.

Postoperative Diet

Diet after sleeve gastrectomy is one of the determining factors of weight loss. After the operation, patients are fed with liquid and pureed foods for the first few weeks. Since calorie intake is very low during this period, weight loss is quite rapid and patients can lose 5-10 kg per month. As the stomach heals, the body starts to use fat and muscle tissues to provide energy.

After a while, you will be able to gradually switch to solid foods with the guidance of your doctor. With the transition to solid foods, your weight loss rate slows down a little. However, weight loss will continue with a balanced nutrition programme. Portion control and slow eating are important in the transition to solid foods in order not to strain your stomach.

Protein intake is the cornerstone of the postoperative nutrition programme. Protein prevents muscle loss and keeps you full for a longer period of time. In addition, adequate water consumption and vitamin-mineral supplements are other important factors that should not be neglected in the diet.

Changes in the rate of weight loss and health status

While rapid weight loss contributes to the improvement of obesity-related health problems, it also helps to increase the self-confidence of the person. However, rapid weight loss can also lead to some negative effects. Muscle loss, gallstone formation, sagging skin and vitamin-mineral deficiencies are among these problems. Iron, B12, vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are common problems in this period. Therefore, it is very important to take your vitamin and mineral supplements regularly under the supervision of a doctor.

During the weight loss process, some patients may observe that weight loss stops at a certain point. This period, calledplateau period, occurs as a result of the body adapting to rapid weight loss and is usually temporary. Reviewing calorie intake and diversifying the exercise programme can help you overcome this plateau period.

Long-term weight control after surgery

Postoperative weight control is as important as the weight loss process. Weight loss may be a goal, but the real success is to maintain this weight at the end of the process. Do not forget that if you want to be successful in the long term, it is very important to adopt healthy eating habits, do regular physical activity and follow your doctor controls without interruption. Getting nutritionist or psychological support when necessary can also help this process to continue successfully.

One of the most important points we should underline is patience and determination. Although sleeve gastrectomy is a powerful weight loss tool, you should not forget that this is a long journey that requires patience and determination. No matter how successful your surgeon has performed a surgery, the long-term success of the surgery is possible with the maintenance of healthy habits.