Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery Part 2
As with any medical procedure, patients considering bariatric surgery typically have quite a few questions. Our article from June provided resources for a few of the most common questions about bariatric surgery, and this post will address several more.
How much weight will I lose after bariatric surgery?
The amount of weight you’ll lose post-surgery depends on the type of procedure you elect to receive:
- Patients who receive the Lap-Band typically lose about 50% of their excess body weight
- Patients who receive sleeve gastrectomy surgery typically lose about 50-60% of their excess body weight
- Patients who receive gastric bypass typically lose about 66-80% of their excess body weight
Not sure what you excess weight is? Just subtract your ideal weight from current weight.
It’s important to note that weight-loss isn’t achieved by bariatric surgery alone. After the procedure, a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential to both your initial weight-loss and the long-term success of your weight-loss surgery.
When can I start exercising after weight-loss surgery?
Again, the exact timeline of your exercise regimen will depend on the surgery you receive, as some surgeries allow for a faster recovery. Because bariatric surgery is a major surgery, it’s important to ensure you’re fully recovered before starting to exercise—wait until your surgeon determines your body is healed.
Your exercise will start with slow, short walks in the days following your surgery. These walks shouldn’t be more than 10-15 minutes at a time, and it’s important to listen to your body’s pain or discomfort, as you’ll still be healing. Aim for 20-30 minutes of exercise a day.
After your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, an example exercise timeline may look something like this:
- 2-4 weeks post-surgery: continue with longer walks and add low-impact exercises to boost basic strength and flexibility
- 6 weeks post-surgery: incorporate strength training 2 days a week
- 1-2 months post-surgery: incorporate cardio, working toward 5 days a week
How can weight-loss surgery improve my health?
Bariatric surgery has multiple other benefits besides just facilitating weight-loss:
- Improving hearth health, including lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Possible remission of obstructive sleep apnea
- Easing joint pain
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving fertility, including decreasing the risk of birth complications
Who are the bariatric surgeons at Tri State Bariatrics?
At Tri State Bariatrics, we have a team that is committed to high-quality care and the long-term success of your weight-loss surgery. Doctors Rivera, Weiss, and Cepeda have been performing bariatric surgeries for years and have helped hundreds of people reach their weight-loss goals. Learn more about our team on our website, and contact us to learn how Tri State can help you get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
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