Not losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery is a very real concern that many patients experience. While gastric sleeve surgery typically promotes substantial weight loss for about 18 to 24 months, there are several factors that can cause weight loss to stop. If you’re not losing weight after gastric sleeve, don’t get down on yourself. In this article we will help you address potential causes and solutions to keep your scale moving in the right direction.

why am I not losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery 2020

1. Not Eating Enough Calories

Reason: It might seem counterintuitive, but not consuming enough calories can hinder weight loss. After gastric sleeve surgery, your stomach is much smaller, and your appetite is reduced due to the removal of ghrelin, a major hunger hormone. One of the primary reasons for not losing weight after gastric sleeve is not eating enough. When your body is malnourished, it will burn fat as well as muscle for energy. The more muscle you lose, the harder it is to lose weight and the increased chances of stalls or plateaus. Also, your body goes into starvation mode, retaining as much energy as possible by slowing down functions that help process food and increase metabolism.

Solution: Ensure you’re consuming enough high-protein foods to maintain muscle mass and support your metabolism. Aim for 800-1200 calories per day, gradually increasing as recommended by your nutritionist. 1200 calories really are the baseline for everyone. Eating below this will slow down weight loss long term.

2. Lack of Balanced Meal Planning

Reason: Proper nutrition is essential after surgery. A lack of balanced meals can prevent you from getting the necessary nutrients for weight loss and overall health.

If you are at least 4-weeks out, it is important to slowly incorporate more solid proteins and healthy fats into your meal plan. The first step is to make sure you are getting enough protein. You can determine your baseline protein needs by taking your ideal weight and dividing it by 2.2.

Ideal Bariatric Protein Intake

For example, if your goal weight is 150 pounds, you would take 150 divided by 2.2, and your optimum protein intake would be 68 grams per day. Remember, this is a general recommendation. For better fat loss, you may need a higher protein percentage.

Solution: Incorporate solid proteins and healthy fats into your diet. Calculate your protein needs by dividing your ideal weight by 2.2 to get the number of grams of protein you should consume daily. Look at the overall balance of macronutrients. Balancing macros after gastric sleeve could very well fix your weight loss problem and get you back on track. Balance your meals with 35-50% protein, 30-40% fat, and 10-35% carbohydrates.

3. Consuming Too Many Slider Foods

Reason: Slider foods, such as yogurts, soups, and ice creams, can be easy to eat but lack the necessary nutrients for sustained weight loss. These types of foods lack balance and substance which cause you to feel hungrier faster and many times have more simple processed carbohydrates than lean proteins and fats. Look at your overall intake of foods, and if you are predominately eating “slider-based” foods, this may be the reason your not losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery.

Solution: Focus on eating nutrient-dense, solid proteins and balanced meals. Avoid high-sugar, high-fat foods that are easy to consume but offer little nutritional value.

4. Exercising Too Much Too Soon

Reason: While exercise is important, starting too soon or overdoing it can be counterproductive, especially if your body hasn’t fully healed or you’re not consuming enough calories to support your activity level.

Solution: The general recommendation is to wait six to eight weeks post-op before starting an exercise routine. However, you can start a walking regimene before that. Ensure you’re consuming enough calories to support your activity level, aiming for at least 800-1200 calories before engaging in rigorous exercise. If you are not eating a minimum of 800 calories I would stick to a walking regimene.

5. Avoiding Resistance Training

Reason: Resistance training helps build lean muscle, which increases your metabolism and aids in weight loss. Avoiding this type of exercise can slow your progress. The more lean muscle you have, the faster you burn calories. If you are six to eight weeks out and you are eating a proper amount of calories, resistance training may be the thing you are missing to help you start losing weight again.

Solution: Incorporate weight lifting or resistance exercises into your routine to enhance fat burning. Start with light weights and gradually increase as you build strength. Consider hiring a personal trainer to create a customized plan.

Expected Weight Loss Timeline After Gastric Sleeve

  • 3 Months: 30-40 pounds
  • 6 Months: 50-70 pounds
  • 1 Year: 70-100 pounds
  • 3 Years: 70-120 pounds

Tips to Overcome Weight Loss Stalls

Many patients weigh themselves daily and may feel discouraged if the scale doesn’t change. Remember, your body needs time to adjust and process fat loss. Patience is crucial.

  • Track Your Caloric Intake: Ensure you’re consuming enough calories to avoid metabolic slowdown.
  • Plan Balanced Meals: Focus on high-protein, low-carb, and healthy fat meals.
  • Avoid Slider Foods: Stick to nutrient-dense, solid foods.
  • Exercise Appropriately: Start with walking and gradually increase your activity level.
  • Include Resistance Training: Build lean muscle to boost your metabolism.

If you are concerned about reaching your goal weight, check out the expected weight loss timeline to see the pace your losing weight. If you cannot get near your ideal weight after two years post-operation, you may consider revising your gastric sleeve to RNY gastric bypass, mini bypass, or duodenal switch.

When to Consider Gastric Sleeve Revision

If you’re still not losing weight despite following all guidelines, you may need to consider a revision surgery. Options include RNY Gastric Bypass, Mini Gastric Bypass, or Duodenal Switch. To see if you are eligible for gastric sleeve revision, start by completing the health questionnaire.

FAQs: Not Losing Weight After Gastric Sleeve

Q: How long does it take to start losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Initial weight loss may be slow as your body adapts, but significant weight loss usually begins within the first three months.

Q: What should I do if I’m not losing weight after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Reevaluate your diet, exercise routine, and caloric intake. Consult with your surgeon or a bariatric nutritionist for personalized advice.

Q: Can I regain weight after gastric sleeve surgery?
A: Yes, weight regain can occur if post-surgery guidelines are not followed. Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to sustain weight loss.

Conclusion

By understanding and addressing these factors, you can overcome weight loss stalls and achieve your goals after gastric sleeve surgery. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique. General guidelines can help, but you may need to tweak them to fit your specific needs. Don’t compare your progress to others, as individual factors affect weight loss rates. Consult with your bariatric nutritionist for personalized advice.