Do you experience gradual weight loss following a sleeve gastrectomy? Is gradual weight loss following a sleeve gastrectomy typical? What are the reasons for slow or stable weight after sleeve gastrectomy? Below are the solutions and the most crucial advice you need to be aware of.
Sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure for weight loss based on the principle of reducing the size of the stomach by removing approximately 75% - 80% of the stomach, leaving a part the size of a tube and shaped like a banana. Some hormonal adjustments that target the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin (Ghrelin), which aids in weight loss, take place during the sleeve gastrectomy.
However, is gradual weight loss following sleeve gastrectomy normal or not? Let's investigate the response in the lines that follow:
Is slow weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy normal?
Yes is the clear answer. After a sleeve gastrectomy, some patients may experience a few weeks of stable or slow weight loss in addition to the initial, rapid weight loss. A weight loss plateau, which usually occurs three weeks after surgery, is defined as slow or no weight loss. Gagging, when rapid weight loss slows or stops altogether.
The body tries to adjust to a new diet and an alternative energy source, or when the patient disobeys the doctor's instructions regarding diet and physical activity, which causes the weight loss plateau, which is very normal and temporary.
Reasons for slow weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy
The reasons for the slow weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy and the occurrence of a weight loss plateau are as follows:
1. Adaptation of the body
Stable or gradual weight loss results from the body's response to the sleeve gastrectomy procedure's weight loss process, which is brought on by the body's natural defence mechanism trying to preserve its fat and energy stores in response to the significant weight loss that follows the surgery.
The digestive system undergoes numerous changes as the body adjusts to its new environment by altering how it consumes, absorbs, and digests food and liquids.
2. Diet
The diet adopted after having a sleeve gastrectomy significantly affects the weight loss plateau because it's important to consume food rations of the primary nutrients in precise amounts and gradually in order to obtain enough calories in proportion to each person's need according to weight. To determine the diet, consult a specialist doctor or nutritionist.
Lack of calories causes the body to burn both fat and muscle for energy; the more muscle is lost, the harder it is to keep losing weight and the better the chances are for stable or gradual weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy.
3. Physical activity
After several weeks of sleeve gastrectomy, the diet becomes routine and the body adapts to a specific number of calories approximately, and weight loss begins to slow until it reaches stagnation, so it is important to engage in moderate sporting activity after several weeks of sleeve gastrectomy and simultaneously with obtaining an adequate amount of calories It ranges from 800-1200 calories, depending on what the body needs.
Tips to avoid slow weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy
After a sleeve gastrectomy, the weight loss plateau can be lessened by controlling diet and exercise, then making some changes to daily routines. However, it is impossible to prevent the body's natural adaptation because it is an unavoidable natural phenomenon.
Among the most important tips that can be followed to avoid slow weight loss after sleeve gastrectomy are the following:
- Consume a diet high in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and dietary fibre.
- All main meals and snacks contain protein .
- Avoid processed, canned, and prepared foods that are high in empty calories.
- Schedule meals to reduce uncontrolled food intake.
- Drinks high in calories should be avoided, such as soft drinks, coffee, soda, sports drinks, and sugary beverages.
- Chew foods well before swallowing.
- Practicing sports activities 6-8 weeks after the sleeve gastrectomy.
- after consulting a doctor, engaging in a variety of moderate aerobic exercises, such as swimming, lifting weights, and walking for five to ten minutes.