Most people choose weight loss surgery, such as the gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass surgery, and Lap-Band or gastric band because it promotes weight loss at a healthier, more gradual pace. Weight loss surgery is not a magic wand that can make all your excess weight disappear in an instant, but you will see significant results over the course of a year.
It is important to set the right weight loss goals to achieve a long term success with weight loss surgery. Post bariatric surgery, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations about how much weight you can lose and how your appearance will change. With weight loss surgery, we aim for steady weight loss over time, rather than rapid weight loss. While the idea of an overnight transformation can be appealing, losing weight too quickly can result in health issues, such as depression, vitamin deficiencies, gastritis, dehydration, and malnutrition. When it comes to weight loss, the old saying “slow and steady wins the race” rings true.
The total amount of weight you can expect to lose after weight loss surgery is dependent on a variety of factors, including your starting weight, your commitment to diet and exercise, and which procedure you choose. For example, people who undergo the mini gastric bypass may lose more weight than people who have a Lap-Band. However, the best weight loss procedure for you will depend on your overall health, lifestyle, and weight loss goals. Your weight loss surgeon will help you choose the best procedure for your unique needs during your complimentary consultation.
5 Factors that Impact Your Weight Loss After Surgery
Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your expected weight loss will depend on your BMI prior to surgery. Patients who have a BMI from 35 to 40 BMI can expect to lose weight a bit faster than those with higher BMIs. It is possible to lose one to three pounds per week during the first year of surgery. This rate will decrease gradually 12 to 18 months after surgery.
Read More: How Long Will It Take to Lose Weight After Weight Loss Surgery?
Overall Body Health
For some patients, weight loss or weight gain can be attributed to health conditions that have no connection to the patient’s weight loss surgery. Patients should be aware of infections and other illnesses that affect their body’s nutritional needs and well-being. If you’re losing weight too quickly (or you’re not losing enough), be sure to reach out to your AfterCare team and your primary doctor. There may be a newly developed or undiagnosed health issue that requires treatment.
Read More: Is Bariatric Surgery Right For Me?
Post Operative Diet
After surgery, your SmartShape dietitian team will advise you on the right kinds of foods to eat. Following a healthy diet, as recommended by our dietitians, will help maintain and stabilize your post-operative body weight. For a few weeks following weight loss surgery, patients are advised to follow a short-term liquid diet and slowly return to solid foods. This short-term diet will allow your body time to heal and adapt after surgery. Once you return to solid foods, you can generally eat normally but in smaller quantities. However, consciously choosing healthy choices over unhealthy foods can also make or break your weight loss results.
Read More: How Should I Change My Eating Habits After Weight Loss Surgery?
Participation in the AfterCare Success Program
SmartShape offers a unique 5-year AfterCare Success Program to all patients. This program will provide you with access to our team of registered dietitians, nurses, and bariatric surgeons for 5 years after your surgery. The AfterCare team will support you in a variety of ways, from providing nutritional advice, answering questions, and providing continual support. If you have a Lap-Band installed, the nursing team will also work with you to monitor and adjust your gastric band to support your weight loss.
Read More: What Centre Should I Choose For My Weight Loss Surgery?
Commitment to Continued Exercise
It’s widely recommended that most people aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to help you reach your weight loss goals and support your overall health. While weight loss surgery is an effective tool to support health weight loss, you will always obtain the best results by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle. Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise daily will help you burn calories, boost your metabolism, and support muscle mass.
Read More: When Can I Start Exercising After Weight Loss Surgery?
SmartShape Weight Loss Centre: Home of the Gastric Sleeve, Mini Gastric Bypass & Lap-Band in Ontario
If weight-related health conditions are impacting your health and traditional weight loss methods haven’t work for you, weight loss surgery in Toronto from SmartShape Weight Loss Centre may be the right choice for you. SmartShape Weight Loss Centre is located in Ontario, Canada and we work with women and men to help them lose weight and take control of their health. Bariatric surgery may be the tool you need to reach your weight loss goals and improve your quality of life.
SmartShape is Canada’s first accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence. We offer several weight loss surgery options in Toronto, Ontario, including the gastric sleeve, mini gastric bypass surgery, and Lap-Band or gastric band. SmartShape’s team of expert weight loss surgeons and our clinical AfterCare Success Team will be with you every step of the way throughout your weight loss transformation. Our unique 5-year AfterCare Success program ensures our patients have the tools they need to reach their goals and lose weight sustainably.
Explore our weight loss surgery procedures and read our patient success stories to discover how weight loss surgery can improve your overall health and confidence. If you’d like to learn more about bariatric surgery in Toronto, Ontario, schedule a free virtual consultation with one of our weight loss surgeons to discuss your goals and surgical weight loss options.