How much weight should I expect to lose in first 3 months of the VSG?

Question

I am 5’2”, weight 304 lbs, Age 26. Getting the vsg next month.

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming surgery! 
The amount of weight loss on initial starting weight; typical weight loss in the first month is 15% of excess body weight. Thus, if at 5’2”, you ideal body weight is 125 pounds, your excess weight is 180 lbs, and you would approximately 25 lbs in the first month. By the third month most people have lost 30% the excess weight (50 lbs in your case) and 50% by 6 months (90 lbs for you). 
That said, it is not unheard of for patients to lose little weight the first few months following gastric sleeve surgery. It is also common for patients to have periods of stalled weight loss. Factors that influence the rate and total weight loss include gender, age, starting BMI, and extent of lifestyle changes (sticking to dietary recommendations and regular exercise.)
Best wishes,
Kind regards,

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

In the first three months after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), patients typically lose around 25 to 35 percent of their excess weight, though this can vary based on starting weight, adherence to post-op guidelines, activity level, and individual metabolism. For example, someone with a higher starting weight may see more pounds lost initially, simply because they have more weight to lose. During this early phase, the body is adjusting to the dramatically reduced stomach size and caloric intake, which leads to rapid weight loss. It's not unusual to see patients losing 15 to 30 pounds in the first month alone, with the pace slowing somewhat over the next two months as the body begins to stabilize.
It's important to remember that while these numbers provide a general guideline, weight loss is not the same for everyone. Consistency with nutrition, hydration, physical activity, and follow-up appointments plays a critical role in long-term success. The first three months lay the foundation, but the habits you build during this time will shape your long-term outcomes far more than the initial number on the scale.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Based on the metrics you provided your calculated BMI would be 55, which classfies you as Obesity type III. Weight loss varies greatly among patients, even after undergoing surgery, as it is very multifactorial, including on the type of surgery you are getting. Typically, patients with very high BMIs tend to lose weight faster than most. It would be reasonable to assume that you could lose 30 pounds +  more or less in the firt 3 months.

How much weight should I expect to lose in first 3 months of the VSG?

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How much weight should I expect to lose in first 3 months of the VSG?

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