How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Bypass?

How Much Weight Can I Lose? Isn’t that the question of the day when looking at undertaking this adventure? It is no longer a secret that it is not the easiest thing to lose weight, especially when trying to balance work life, home life, and social life. Either you skipped a meal from your diet plan and substituted it with a chocolate bar because your blood sugar dropped, or you worked late and missed four gym sessions consecutively.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Bypass? article cover image of a scale with feet on it

Either way, you are packing on the pounds, and you are no longer comfortable with how you look. So, here you find yourself at the doctor’s office, wanting to find out as much as you can about gastric bypass and if it is the best solution to your problems.

For sure, you would have seen the many stories of people who did the surgery and have gone through their different experiences. Aside from the few drawbacks to doing the surgery, we have to admit some amazing weight-loss stories out there that come as an inspiration to many people who are pondering the procedure.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Bypass?

There are undoubtedly some important questions that are asked and based as it relates to the results one can achieve. Some of the most frequently asked questions include…  

The first point in a discussion about weight-loss is…how many pounds will I lose right away? Just as this question is asked for other weight-loss methods, gastric bypass gets the same drilling with questions. Undergoing such a technical surgery means the results should be worthwhile.

Based on the numerous research made, there is an indication that within the first 30 days of the operation, some patients have the potential to lose anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds per. Interestingly, men have a faster weight-loss average than women, but it all goes back to the metabolism of both genders. In essence, after a month, patients lose an estimated 10-15 percent of their entire body weight.

How Much Weight Do You Lose 6 Months After Gastric Sleeve?

Gastric bypass and gastric sleeve are weight-loss surgeries that have many similarities and a major goal in mind – helping the patient lose weight. Gastric sleeve is a little simpler than gastric bypass as it is a one-step process compared to the other, which is a two-step process.

This procedure involves removing a part of the stomach, ghrelin, responsible for sending “hunger alerts” to the brain. After a successful surgery, the patient has a smaller stomach, making it harder to eat large amounts of food. In the process, the patient has the ability to lose quite a large amount of excess body weight.

For gastric sleeve surgery, many patients have in common that the first few months always tend to work out better at weight loss compared to the months further in. It is believed the eating structure is responsible for this as well as many believe the excess weight loss is usually water weight. However, if a patient is placed on fasting before the surgery, then it means the water weight would have already gone before the end of the first month.

Usually, the first six months after a gastric sleeve operation, the estimated weight loss averages around 70 pounds. However, after this period, patients are generally pumped back into motion as the weight loss seems to slow down in the long-term months. Regular exercise and strict dieting will help to keep the numbers high.

How Much Weight Can I Lose with a planner and tape m easure

What Percent of Gastric Bypass Patients Gain the Weight Back?

Reports detailing the number of bariatric patients who regained their weight post-op show a high figure of between 40-50%. This may sound like a harsh figure, but in reality, many patients experience a plateau when it comes to weight loss, especially after 18 months.

To keep the average weight-loss going, one must be determined and stick to an effective diet plan coupled with regular exercise. Many patients believe doing the surgery is enough to keep the weight off, seeing they are eating less. However, it is not so much eating less but consuming fewer calories, so it is all about the food choices.

Is It Possible To Not Lose Weight After a Gastric Bypass?  

A patient usually loses a good amount of weight during the first few months after a successful bariatric surgery. However, after a few months in, some patients may realize they have re-added all the weight, and sometimes even more.

Bear in mind, immediately after the surgery, your calorie intake will drastically decrease, and as your body gets used to it, the excess body fat will gradually reduce. However, what many people are not aware of is that once the body gets used to the changes, it starts to function differently. In most cases, patients have to adjust their eating and workout habits to reduce the chances of having stagnation where it concerns losing weight.

Both gastric bypass and gastric sleeve have their added benefits when it comes to losing weight. However, what many patients need to realize is that it takes more than a smaller stomach to make one lose weight, but persistence is a must. We will admit that it’s not always easy to keep one lifestyle going without slipping at times, but it is important to be mindful of the “slips” and not make it a regular thing.  

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Long Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Want to lose weight but afraid to go under the knife? Listen up. Your long-time battle with the bulge will end for good with one solution: gastric bypass surgery. It involves changing the digestive system to change your appetite; that way, you eat and digest less amount of food. Aside from the significant weight loss, the surgery also helps minimize the risk of developing obesity-related diseases. You can have Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery article cover image

Instant and Long-Term Weight Loss with Gastric Bypass Surgery

Also called the Roux-en-Y surgery, the procedure primarily entails making a walnut-sized pouch at the upper stomach and putting a bypass around a portion of the small intestine and the stomach. Consequently, the food you eat bypasses most of the stomach and restricts the ability of your digestive system to take in calories. Hence, the term bypass surgery. Surgeons perform this operation using a small tube called a laparoscope that creates small incisions in the abdomen.

A small video camera is attached to the instrument. This device enables the surgeon to see the inside of the abdomen. The laparoscopic technique is generally preferred over the traditional open bypass surgery that makes large incisions in the abdomen. Compared to the open bypass surgery, the laparoscopic procedure is less risky and less painful because of the small incisions. Also, it results in a shorter recovery period.

The procedure starts with the stapling of the patient’s stomach at the top of it to seal this area off from the rest of the stomach. As a result, the sealed portion of the pouch will be able to contain only an ounce of food. Separated from the entire stomach, the pouch is then connected to a small part of the small intestine. To be able to achieve that, the surgeon cuts a small part of the small intestine and sews it onto the pouch.

The surgery is not for everyone, though. There are certain risks involved, and a prospective patient must understand them before undergoing surgery. If you plan to experience the weight loss surgery, consult a surgeon and ask all your concerns regarding the procedure. Usually, the surgeon explains the things you should expect during and after the surgery.

Before the surgery, you will be given anesthetics to keep you asleep during the operation. The anesthesia is usually in the form of an intravenous (IV) line or analgesics. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a tube into your nose down to the top of the stomach. To heal the staple line on the stomach, the tube is joined to a suction machine that empties the stomach pouch after the surgery. The surgery lasts for about two to four hours, but you will need to stay in the hospital for around three to five days for recovery.

Expect some diet and lifestyle changes after the weight loss surgery. One to three days after the procedure, you will not eat anything to allow your stomach to heal. Then, for about three months, you will follow a diet that starts with liquids, progresses to soft and pureed foods, and lastly, to regular foods. You will have to be cautious with your food intake because eating huge meals can cause extreme pain under the breastbone and vomiting.

Also, you will notice some changes in your body and behavior three to six months after the gastric bypass surgery. These include dry skin, hair thinning, fatigue, body pains, and mood swings. These will be your body’s reactions to the quick weight loss resulting from the surgery.

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10 Rules For Weight Loss

Summer is here! Which means things like swimsuit shopping and the temptations of ice cream! Funny how those two things happen at the same time isn’t it? Luckily, summer also means it’s time for farmer’s markets and nice weather to get active. Getting healthy and trying for weight loss can be hard when you are making the switch, but it is so rewarding. It may sound cliche, but it really is a lifestyle. If you are ready to start living a healthy life here are ten tips to help you get started!

10 rules for weight loss

Living a healthy lifestyle is conscious decision. It really is a lifestyle choice! It can be one of the best decisions that you can make for yourself!

10 Rules For Weight Loss

  1. Drink water! And lots of it!

    Water is so good for you! There is a reason your body can’t live without it! Every single one of your body’s systems relies on water. Think about that for a second. And then think about how many glasses of water you had yesterday? Did you have enough to keep your body healthy?The rule of thumb is to drink 8 8oz glasses each day. (You can find out exactly how much water you should be drinking here.) If you are starting slow, start with this one thing! You will be able to tell a difference in your body!Figure out a system that works for you! For me, I have a water bottle that I use. I really like the Tervis Tumbler water bottles (and I love that they have designs for EVERYONE!). They are 24 ounces (and marked on the bottle which is nice!) so I know that by lunch I need to have drank one full bottle and about a third of another. Then by bedtime, it’s the same (1 1/3 bottles!) of water. I can always carry the bottle with me and knowing how much I need to drink by a certain time really helps me meet my goal!

  2. Don’t eat past 7:00 PM.

    You have probably heard the rule about eating late at night. But it’s true! Eating a big dinner and then going to bed doesn’t give your body time to digest let alone burn off those calories! By eating your dinner earlier you give your body time to react to it! If possible, you can even switch to eating a large lunch and a light dinner! This change can really make a big difference!

  3. Move your body – 30 minutes. Each and every day!

    Your body was built to move! I know we are all busy, but you can do it! If you are just starting out and then thought of working out stresses you out, just focus on moving more throughout the day. It will get easier! Use an app on your phone (I like Map My Walk) to track your distance and speed! One of the best motivators is seeing yourself improve!Looking for ways to get more activity in your day? Try sitting on an Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball Kit (75cm) at your desk (bonus: playing your favorite music on Pandora is a sure way to get you bouncing around singing and dancing!) or taking the stairs! Instead of driving to the library, ride your bike! Instead of taking the family to the movies try an activity like geocaching instead!

  4. Eat more natural foods.

    Make the switch from processed foods to natural foods can be intimidating at first, but it is one of the best decisions you can make! Swapping out a sugary cereal in the morning for an egg white omelet and fruit salad will not only keep you full for longer, but you will be nourishing your body with REAL food and tons of vitamins! To make this less intimidating start small. Make it a goal that you are going to switch your dinner to all natural foods for 2 weeks. Once you have it down go ahead and make the switch to include breakfast too.

  5. Learn about portion control. And use it!
    Americans have a huge problems with portion distortion! If you aren’t aware of the proper portion sizes, then you wouldn’t realize that your dinner you ordered at your favorite restaurant the other night was 3 servings of pasta!Learn about the right serving sizes and invest in a Ozeri Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale
    Kitchen scales are inexpensive and SUPER important tools!
  6. Protein is your friend!

    This was the hardest rule for me personally to learn: protein is your friend! You should have some sort of protein at every single meal (and snack!) Think about a handful of nuts or seeds for a snack. Add chicken to your salad. Whatever you do, add some protein to your meal! It will help you stay full longer and aid in your weight loss.

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  7. Come up with a plan for cravings.

    Cravings are tough stuff! For me, if cupcakes are left unattended, it could be dangerous. And there is no such thing as one chocolate chip cookie! Sometimes it’s good to give into your cravings, but it’s also a good idea to not indulge to often. Come up with a plan before the craving starts so when you get one you have a plan of action!For me that means, when the cupcake craving starts ask yourself if you are really hungry. If so, reach for a healthy snack. If not put your plan into action! I read a book or take the dog for a walk. Usually after a few minutes I’ve forgotten about my craving. Find something that works for you! Maybe it’s calling a friend, working out, playing a game or listening to music.

  8. Don’t give up and don’t give in!

    No one is perfect! Sometimes we give in to temptation, and that’s ok! Having a ‘cheat’ day is encourage by lots of professionals. If you starve yourself or cut out your favorite indulgences completely that can just be asking for a binge. But it’s important to know that if you fall off the wagon with your weight loss say at lunch, don’t have the attitude at dinner that you ‘already messed today up’ so you might as well go all out. Your day isn’t a loss! Even worse is when people give up. One bad day turns into a bad week. And if you have a bad week, they think what is the point? If you fall, get back up! Dust yourself off and go on! You are worth it!

  9. Eat regularly.

    One way to avoid binging unexpectedly and ruin you weight loss plan is to schedule and plan out your meals. And as a bonus, eating regularly is actually healthier for you! Aim to eat several times throughout the day! You may find yourself eating more than you were before! It’s ok!! When you are feeding yourself the right way your body will react the right way! You can have more energy, boost your metabolism and overall feel better! By planning your meals ahead you can save time, money and headaches of figuring out what to eat. And by scheduling your meals you know that you will never be hungry! Your body will thank you!

  10. Find a support system!

    Switching to a healthy lifestyle is something that you should do for yourself. But it can be challenging at first! Having a good support system call really make all of the difference in succeeding! By having the support of a spouse, friend or team you can be held accountable and stay motivated! Join a class at the gym or see if your church or neighborhood has a group that meets to walk together. If there isn’t a group that you can find, start your own!

Making the decision to live a healthy life is the best decision you can make for yourself! It may sound difficult at first, but you can do it!

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