Close to half of the United States' adult population faces obesity challenges. If you fall into this category, you have options. Bariatric surgery is weight loss surgery proven to reduce body fat drastically. Let's learn more about how much weight you can lose with bariatric surgery.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery is any form of weight loss surgery. Your nurse practitioner or regular doctor might suggest bariatric surgery if your weight affects your health. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and types of cancer are linked to obesity. Diet and exercise might not be an option to overcome these health challenges. Your weight might be affecting your ability to exercise. 

In this case, it's time to evaluate your bariatric surgery options. The most popular surgical options include: 

Gastric Sleeve

A sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve) is a procedure that separates and removes most of the stomach from the body. The doctor then shapes the remaining portion of the stomach into a shirtsleeve-like shape, hence the name. With a smaller stomach, you will feel a reduction in hunger. Your meal portions will also be much smaller. 

Gastric Band

A laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding procedure (lap-band) involves creating a small pouch within the stomach. Your doctor will use a rubber-like ring containing an inflatable balloon on the upper part of your stomach. The band will stay in place. The process will create dietary restrictions by restricting how much you can fit into your stomach. You can adjust this band to fit your nutritional needs. 

Gastric Bypass 

A laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery creates a small upper pouch and a larger lower pouch within the stomach. Your doctor will then cut and attach your small intestine from the larger pouch to the smaller pouch. Then food will flow directly from the smaller pocket into the small intestine, creating malabsorption. The larger pocket will still function by creating digestive juices to help break down food.  

How Much Weight Will I Lose with Weight Loss Surgery?

You might be wondering which weight loss surgery leads to the highest fat loss. This is a great question. Your success will depend on the type of surgery and your lifestyle choices after the surgery. 

Typically, most patients can expect to lose up to 70% of their body fat within two years of the surgery. However, patients that complete the gastric bypass can expect to lose around 10% more body fat. Therefore, your doctor might suggest a gastric bypass if you have a considerable amount of weight to lose. Speak to bariatric surgery doctors about which surgery suits your needs. 

Additionally, studies prove that most weight loss surgeries lead to long-term fat loss. The surgery will remain a permanent fixture in your diet. But that doesn't mean that you might not continue to struggle with weight loss. Nor does it mean that you cannot gain the weight back. 

Why Am I Not Losing Weight After Bariatric Surgery?

Weight loss surgery is like any other weight loss journey. You will find yourself reaching a plateau and might notice weight fluctuations down the road. The most critical part of weight loss is changing your lifestyle. Ensure that you are:

• Eating three small meals a day
• Eating slowly
• Avoiding snacks
• Getting regular exercise
• Getting the proper vitamins and nutrients

For this weight loss venture to succeed, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

BASS Medical Group

BASS Bariatric Surgery Center is a bariatric surgery center operating since 2002. You can expect higher weight loss with fewer complication risks by choosing BASS Medical's team of skilled surgeons. Reach out today by visiting our website to start living the life you deserve.