Realistically, after getting the gastric sleeve, how many pounds will be dropped by 4 weeks post surgery?

Question

41 year old female, 5'4", 274lbs due the have the gastric sleeve performed in late October 2015.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. In my experience, patients tend to lose 20-30 pounds in the first month and average 10 a month thereafter. Factors that influence the rate and total weight loss include gender, age, starting BMI, and extent of lifestyle changes. It's not uncommon for weight loss to have periods of plateau; it's important not to feel discouraged during these times and to look to your care team and support network for guidance and encouragement.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Gabriela Rodriguez, MD, FACS · Answer

This will depend on how much weight you need to loose, how strict your are with the post-operative diet and your level of physical activity.The weight loss journey after bariatric surgery is a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. If you’re expecting to see a complete transformation within 30 days, you may be left a little disappointed. In fact, most people can expect to see a loss of 15-30 lbs at this time.

Jorge Maytorena, MD · Answer

Hello, Ideally a patient who had a gastric sleeve patients is from 20 to 30 pounds the first month. After that period you can expect 8 to 12 pounds per month

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

This can vary in different patients, some patients retain more fluids in the first couple of weeks after surgery, and how strictly they follow the pre-op diet, how soon they get moving again after surgery, and how well they are hydrating after surgery.  The number that is more important is reduction of body fat!

Ozgun Akgul, MD · Answer

First of all, thanks for the question. 
In the general case, weight loss after sleeve gastroectomy can have different results about different patients. The main reason is difference between metabolisms and body structure. Blood pressure values and other important data are vital too. However, you can estimate it as 18 - 28 pounds in 4 weeks.

Ithiphon Viratanapanu, MD · Answer

I would estimate you would lose up to 40 lbs in the first month after surgery. You should stick with the recommended diet, get some exercise and try to walk as much as possible.

Rodolfo Wilhelmy, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello!    The answer varies depending on your starting BMI but for patients with a BMI 40+ like yourself  a realistic goal may be to lose 1 lb a day during the first month.   This is  if you are following the post surgery healing diet your surgeon will provide.   This will not be the rate at which you will continue to lose though. The first month post VSG is when patients experience the most rapid weight loss. 
Patients with a lower BMI lose weight at a slower rate but reach their goal weight fairly quickly and can focus on the maintenance phase.

Ramez Bassari, MBChB, FRACS, BHB · Answer

Amount of weight will be dependent not only on the surgery but also diet and physical activity. It is important that you avoid losing lean weight/muscle mass. Your dietitian will be able to advice you on this. Generally about 1-2kg (approximately 2-4 pounds) per week in the first few weeks is seen.

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Each patient is unique and has their own weight loss goals as well as starting weights so it really depends. On average, our sleeve patients are loosing about 15 pounds a month until they hit their goal weight. Men tend to loose more than women. And the more weight you have to loose, the more you will lose. It also depends on how good you are with your diet and exercise. The first month tends to be higher than the 15 pound average per month.

David G. Davtyan, MD, FACS · Answer

The amount of weight loss usually depends on the amount of excess weight prior to surgery. Very large patients will lose more than relatively less overweight patients. Having said that, one should remember that the initial weight loss within a few weeks of surgery is primarily a loss of water and is easily and quickly reversible as many who have tried to diet unsuccessfully know all too well. In general, one should aim for a stable, steady, gradual weight loss as it is healthier than rapid weight loss and allows for the body to catch up in replenishing its nutrients and avoids malnutrition, protein deficiency, and vitamin deficiency. Gradual and steady weight loss also allows for time for the skin to contract and mold over the muscles as opposed to becoming wrinkled or flabby.

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