I had the a month ago, and I have only lost around 15lbs this month. I am not losing weight fast enough. What can I do?

Question

What is going on? I don’t even eat like before. In fact I don’t even eat more that 2-3 bites. I drink my protein shakes. I’m so worried and sad. Please help!!! Does anyone know a diet plan I can follow?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. Congratulations on your surgery! You do not state your height or starting weight however your weight loss so far does not sound far outside of normal
Typical weight loss in the first month is 15% of excess body weight. By the third month most people have lost 30% the excess weight and 50% by 6 months. Typically weight loss stabilizes after 12-18 months.
Slow weight loss after gastric sleeve can have multiple causes. Follow up care is essential after the gastric sleeve, particularly to diagnose underlying causes of slow weight loss. Ideally your postoperative support team includes a therapist and nutritionist. 
There can be a plateau period that typically last 3 weeks after which the weight loss resumes. This period is the zone that your body will attempt to change its metabolic behavior to slow down the weight loss ink order to maintain muscle mass. Exercise will help with this period, to resume weight loss.
I caution you to avoid puréed and soft foods and be careful you do not consume too many liquid calories. It is much easier for sleeve patients to consume too many calories through liquids than with solid food. This is because the liquids are digested more quickly than the solids, allowing the patient to more easily "overeat" if consuming high-calorie liquids. Excessive liquid calories can stall and even reverse weight loss. It’s also important not to consume liquids with solids since it can push the food more quickly through your stomach. 
Exercise is also very important: at this point the goal is 45 minutes of daily exercise. 
It’s important not to feel discouraged; it can take time to see the results of your lifestyle changes. In cases where the initial sleeve is too large or has stretched over time, surgical options include a re-sleeve, gastric bypass, or duodenal switch. However it is too early to consider such options.

Please do not give up. Every patient’s weight loss journey is unique. It sounds like you are very committed to your lifestyle changes; over time you will see results.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

I completely understand your frustration, but I want to reassure you that losing 15 lbs in a month is actually a good rate of weight loss after surgery. It’s common to expect drastic changes right away, but everyone loses at a different pace, and your body is still adjusting.
Since you’re only a month out, your body is likely holding onto some fluids as part of the healing process. Hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, and even stress can slow things down. You’re also eating very little, which can sometimes make your metabolism slow temporarily as your body adjusts.
If you’re following your surgeon’s guidelines, getting enough protein, staying hydrated, and moving your body as much as possible, you’re on the right track. Make sure you're not drinking liquids too close to meals, as this can wash food through your stomach too quickly and leave you feeling hungry sooner. Also, check that you're hitting your protein and calorie targets&mdash;eating too little can actually work against weight loss.
If you’re looking for a structured meal plan, many post-op patients follow a high-protein, low-carb approach. Focus on lean proteins, avoid processed carbs and sugar, and keep up with your supplements. If you haven’t already, track your food intake to make sure you’re getting enough nutrition without overcompensating with hidden calories.
Most importantly, don’t compare your journey to others. Some people lose quickly at first, while others experience a slower, steady loss. What matters is consistency. If you’re really concerned, check in with your surgeon or dietitian to make sure everything is on track, but from what you’re describing, you’re doing fine.

Ariel Ortiz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there, remember body composition changes, stalls, ups and downs will happen especially during the first-months after surgery due to water retention from IV fluids, or inflammation adaptations and overall body composition changes. These changes affect your weight directly and every patient responds differently to this. Weight loss also depends on how aggravated your organs were before surgery, but if you focus on keeping your liver happy (no chemicals, no additives, no artificial flavorings or colorings -sodas-, no alcohol, little meds, taking probiotics) at some point it will start burning fat. Also, keep in mind that you need to fuel metabolism thru supplements, so those have to be part of your daily routine religiously.

Your body will continue adapting to its new physiology, therefore, it will be common to experience these changes/fluctuations. Monitor fat, not weight. you will lose at a certain ratio then level off, then lose and level again. Be patient, the weight will come off, continue working on hydration, protein and activity goals. Give your body the chance to get back to health.- A.L

Your body will continue adapting to its new physiology, therefore, it will be common to experience these changes/fluctuations. Monitor fat, not weight. you will lose at a certain ratio then level off, then lose and level again. Be patient, the weight will come off, continue working on hydration, protein and activity goals. Give your body the chance to get back to health.- A.L

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

HelloRemember that the surgery limits the quantity and the appetite reduce but doesn't help with the quality of what you eat.
 1. Remember your goal, what was is your objective.
 2. Never look back
 3. Small Goals. Just live day by day. TODAY I'LL DO MY TRAIN ROUTINE. TODAY I'LL EAT HEALTHY.
 4. Look for support groups. Its known that you'll have better results.
 5. Go back to your surgeon when in doubt.My best wishes on this new journey,

I had the a month ago, and I have only lost around 15lbs this month. I am not losing weight fast enough. What can I do?

Answers (4)

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