The gastric sleeve operation is a weight-loss surgery to correct serious obesity. The surgery removes a portion of the patient's stomach to create a smaller, banana-shaped stomach, according to the University of California San Diego Health System. Some medical providers use a stapling procedure to create a smaller stomach. The procedure often is the first step in a two-step procedure for very obese patients that later undergo gastric band implantation. Individual post-surgery weight-loss depends on variables such as the metabolism, diet and level of physical activity.
Gastric Sleeve and Other Weight-Loss Procedures
The gastric sleeve procedure has a few food and weight-related benefits over other gastric weight-loss procedures, such as the gastric band. Gastric sleeve patients don't experience food intolerance as often as gastric band patients. The gastric sleeve procedure, unlike gastric bypass, does not prevent normal digestion and absorption of nutrients and calories. Gastric sleeve patients lose weight more quickly than gastric band patients. In comparison to the gastric bypass procedure, weight loss is about equal to that of gastric sleeve patients; however, surgical risks are higher for gastric bypass. The gastric sleeve operation is a newer procedure with less research and information than other procedures like gastric bypass that have been around for a while.
Monthly Weight Loss
You can expect to lose about 50 to 80 percent of your body weight during the first six months to one year following surgery. UCLA Health Systems estimates a weight loss of 60 percent of excess body weight after two years. A person weighing 250 lbs. presurgery whose ideal body weight is 125 lbs. can expect to lose 75 lbs., or 60 percent of excess body weight, over two years. According to UCLA's formula, you can expect to lose about 10 lbs. each month after surgery.
First Year
Following surgery, your diet is restricted to liquids for two weeks after which you progress to softer or pureed foods for two weeks. After the first post-surgery month, your medical team may approve solids for your diet. You can expect gradual and steady weight loss after your gastric sleeve surgery, according to the Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. The Columbia center notes that consistent weight loss is more important than the actual amount of weight loss you achieve. You will experience a gradual reduction in the amount of weight you lose over the first few months after surgery.
Supporting Weight Loss
Even though gastric sleeve surgery creates a smaller stomach and you eat less food, diet and exercise are critical to healthy and continued weight loss. Gastric sleeve patients must adopt permanent lifestyle changes that include regular exercise and special dietary practices, according to MedlinePlus, which recommends following the post-surgery guidelines for diet and exercise provided by your doctor and your dietitian. Weight-loss surgery providers often recommend participation in behavior modification programs. You can expect to continue losing weight for two to three years after your gastric sleeve procedure if you follow the guidelines of your medical team.
Failure to Lose Weight
Failure to exercise, grazing and poor dietary habits are the most common reasons for not losing weight after the gastric sleeve procedure, according to the Columbia University Center for Metabolic and Weight Loss Surgery. A dietitian can help patients recommit to lifestyle changes and recommended eating habits. The Columbia center recommends asking for help early or accepting the intervention of your dietitian or medical team. Adhering to your post-surgery follow-up schedule is the best way to catch and correct problems.
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