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IS FAST WEIGHT LOSS POSSIBLE AFTER BARIATRIC SURGERY?
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According to my website data, many people find me by typing in ‘Fast weight loss’ and ‘is fast weight loss possible after surgery’ into the search engine.
The most common things associated with bariatric surgery are not just how much weight can be dropped, but how quickly people can lose weight once they have had a procedure. These are misconceptions - weight loss surgery is often wrongly seen as a ‘quick fix’ option once all other ‘diets’ have failed and that weight loss is consistently rapid and immediate.
Indeed, many bariatric patients do experience a period of fast weight loss after undergoing surgery. In the ‘honeymoon period,’ patients may well only manage a low calorie diet of about 600-700 calories per day while the stomach is healing and this will certainly result in fast weight loss, but over the long term this isn’t sustainable or healthy.
Why fast weight loss is possible, but not sustainable after bariatric surgery.
The body needs a certain number of calories and nutrients in order to remain healthy. As your stomach heals and your calorie intake grows, your weight loss will also slow down.
One of my mantras (and this is something that I share with my clients repeatedly), is that bariatric surgery is not the solution to weight loss, it is merely a tool that assists in a complete lifestyle change. Simply having surgery will not change your habits, lifestyle and emotional connection to food.
The process of gaining a large amount of weight often takes years and often (although, not in every case) involves the development of negative eating and exercise habits that have become a pattern in your lifestyle. To change these habits is not an overnight process and neither will your weight loss be.
As you lose weight your metabolism will slow down, which will also result in your weight loss slowing down. Many bariatric patients also find that they reach a plateau (also known as a weight stall) when this happens, where your weight remains the same for a period of time. This is perfectly normal as the body tries to reconfigure itself with a reduced energy intake.
It may be possible that hormones can affect how rapidly someone loses weight, and may even cause weight gain. Weight gain can sometimes be the result in a change in hormones in the body, such as menopause or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It is important to speak to a bariatric Dietitian/Surgeon to check your diet and hormone levels aren’t affecting your weight loss.
How to make sure that you lose weight at a healthy and consistent rate
- Ensure you have good aftercare/dietitian to support you with both dietary and mindset changes.
- Follow a balanced eating and exercise plan that provides your body with the energy and nutrition that it needs.
- Be realistic in your expectations - accept that you won’t be losing lots of weight overnight and that it is a journey. You’re running a marathon, not a sprint.
- Be organised and sensible in your meal planning.
- Speak to your specialist if you are concerned about changes in hormones or hormonal imbalances.
- Remember consistency with great support is key!
Are you finding it difficult to lose weight? Are you disappointed with your weight loss? Want to know how I can support you in your weight loss journey and help change your eating habits and relationship with food? Book in for a Discovery Call to find out more, or visit me on my social media platforms, my Facebook Group, Instagram, and my YouTube channel for helpful information, hints and tips and Q&A opportunities!
