Part 4 - How Much Do You Lose After Weight Loss Surgery?

While considering weight loss surgery, you are probably wondering what to expect after this procedure. While some patients have not experienced any weight loss, most people report an average loss of between 100 and 200 pounds!

One possible outcome of the surgery may be excess skin. If you are morbidly obese, you will probably have excess skin that hangs down because it has lost its elasticity. Many people opt to have plastic surgery to remove the excess skin, a procedure not usually covered by insurance companies as it is considered “elective surgery.” However, some insurance companies will agree to cover the procedure if they see serious complications related to the excessive skin.

Another possible outcome of weight loss surgery is the reduction of medications you may be taking for “co-morbid illnesses,” such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. In many cases, doctors have been able to reduce or cancel medications needed for these conditions as the weight loss has alleviated the medical problems. Consult with your doctor before using any type of diuretic as this type of medication can cause your kidneys to lose potassium, resulting in fatal heart problems. Other types of medication to consult with your doctor about are NSAIDs, which include just about any over-the-counter pain killer such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Pain killers could create ulcers in the stomach pouch that was created during surgery.

Eight-five percent of patients with diabetes or insulin-related problems who underwent weight loss surgery reported full recovery within two years of the procedure.

Sixty-six percent of patients with high blood pressure also experienced full recovery within two years after the surgery. Eighty-five percent of patients with high triglycerides reported full recovery after they underwent the surgery, and forty percent of patients with sleep apnea experienced relief within two years post-surgery.

A third possible outcome of this type of surgery may be hair loss or thinning. Many patients lose some of their hair during the first few months following the procedure. However, the good news is that most people reported regaining the lost hair eventually. One way to make sure that you do not lose your hair is to make sure that you eat between 40 and 65 grams of protein a day. Lean meats and eggs are two examples of good protein. 2

During the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, a one ounce or smaller stomach pouch is created, causing food to bypass the lower portion of the stomach. After surgery, part of the stomach that is bypassed often stays intact with a sufficient blood supply. You may experience some shrinking in this part of your stomach, and the lining may atrophy. This part of the stomach may not be used to store food but is still necessary in the function of the intestines. Sometimes, the surgeon may go ahead and remove this portion of the stomach.2

Following surgery, you will need to adhere to a strict diet and exercise regime. You will only be able to eat two to three meals of three to seven ounces a day, and you will not be able to snack throughout the day as your body will not be able to handle the additional caloric intake. You also need to commit to a daily exercise routine because your body naturally burns unused muscle before it will burn the stored fat. If your body begins to burn your muscle, you will experience muscle loss and weakness.2

You will be able to maintain weight loss and live a healthy lifestyle if you commit to long-term follow-ups with your doctor to help continue lifestyle changes.

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