What to Expect: Gastric Sleeve Results After 1 Month
After gastric sleeve surgery, the one-month mark is an important milestone where patients often begin to see and feel the results of their decision. At this stage, many experience early weight loss, dietary shifts, and positive health changes. But what can you expect?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the typical gastric sleeve results after 1 month to help you set realistic expectations and celebrate each small victory along the way.
How Gastric Sleeve Works?
The gastric sleeve procedure is a laparoscopic weight loss procedure that reduces the stomach size to about 15-20% of its original size, forming a narrow tube or “sleeve.”
This smaller stomach capacity limits how much you can eat and reduces the amount of ghrelin-producing stomach tissue. Ghrelin, often called “the hunger hormone,” as it signals hunger to the brain.
The smaller stomach sleeve holds significantly less, making it much more difficult to eat large portions. Due to the combined effects of less ghrelin and a smaller stomach volume, gastric sleeve patients often experience substantial weight loss in a short period of time.
How Much Can You Lose Weight Gastric Sleeve Results After 1 Month?
During the first month of gastric sleeve surgery, patients can typically expect to lose an average of 8 to 16 pounds (3.6 to 7.3 kg).
This initial weight loss tends to be more significant than in subsequent months due to both the reduced stomach size and the liquid or soft food diet patients follow during the early recovery period.
While some of this may be water weight, the rapid loss in the first month provides a strong start to the longer-term weight loss journey expected with gastric sleeve surgery.
Getting Used to Your New Body
In the weeks leading up to surgery, changes like reducing caffeine intake or avoiding alcohol can result in noticeable differences in how your body feels. Early on, you may observe noticeable changes, including:
- Your breathing feels different
- There is a greater ease in moving your arms and legs
- You can stand taller
- You have fewer aches and pains
- Your balance feels slightly different
Despite all of these results being positive in the long haul, the initial transition can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself more aware of the recent procedure, but with some patience and understanding, this heightened awareness typically subsides within a few days.
Dietary Changes to Lose Excess Weight
One of the biggest lifestyle shifts following bariatric surgery is the dietary change. In the first 40 days, you’ll need to follow a strict liquid-only diet, gradually transitioning to solid foods.
While this phase can be challenging, proper nutrition is essential to support muscle mass, organ health, and mental well-being, even during weight loss.
Here’s a breakdown of the key dietary adjustments:
- Aim to drink 48-64 ounces of fluids daily to avoid dehydration.
- Eating small amounts of food throughout the day is essential for adequate nutrition.
- Protein shakes, smoothies, and pureed foods, such as mashed bananas, are beneficial for maintaining muscle mass.
- Although you want to get enough calories to sustain your health, it’s crucial to maintain a low-calorie diet to promote weight loss.
- Around weeks two to three after surgery, you may start incorporating soft foods like yoghurt, soups, and sugar-free gelatin. Be mindful of the calorie content and continue with small, nutrient-rich meals. When transitioning to soft foods, chew thoroughly and eat slowly to ease digestion.
- Although you’ll eventually reintroduce solid foods in small portions, the soft-food phase may extend beyond 30 days. Preparing mentally and practically for this gradual transition is key to successful nutrition.
- Focus on nutrient-dense, low-calorie options for sustainable weight loss, and avoid fibrous vegetables to prevent digestive issues.
Physical Activity After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Physical activity is an essential component of recovery following gastric sleeve surgery.
After the initial 48-hour rest, you will be encouraged to start moving and exercising. Over the month, as energy levels return, patients can start incorporating more gentle exercises, such as walking or stretching, but strenuous activities or heavy lifting are generally avoided.
Light exercise aids the weight-loss process and enhances mood, which is especially valuable in the adjustment period after surgery. Patients are typically encouraged to wait a few months before engaging in high-impact exercises or weight training, and to consult with their doctor before starting any new fitness routine.
Health Improvements After 1 Month
Weight loss due to the gastric sleeve results after 1 month often contributes to initial health improvements. Conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and Type 2 diabetes may start to improve as the body adjusts to the new diet and weight reduction.
The improvements are often noticeable early on for patients with metabolic syndrome or related health concerns. These positive health changes can serve as strong motivators to continue following medical guidelines and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Side Effects of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Undergoing a significant weight loss procedure can bring about certain side effects. Constipation and occasional vomiting are among the most common, and while they’re typically not a cause for concern, it’s essential to contact a doctor if you feel uneasy.
Wound infections may also occur, so if you experience fever, pain, or discharge around the surgical site, it’s advisable to seek medical support. Additionally, feeling faint could be a sign of internal bleeding.
Though these complications are extremely rare, all patients need to be aware of the signs and remain vigilant during recovery.
Celebrating Small Wins
While the sleeve surgery gastric sleeve results after 1 month are only the beginning, they set the foundation for ongoing success.
Celebrate each milestone, such as losing a few pounds, going down a clothing size, or completing your post-surgery diet. These small victories keep you motivated and focused on your journey.
Consult Dr Samir Rahmani for Gastric Sleeve Surgery
If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery, speak with Dr Samir Rahmani to learn more about the process, sleeve surgery, gastric sleeve results after 1 month, and the lifestyle changes accompanying it. With the right mindset, guidance, and support, you can navigate this transformative journey and achieve lasting weight-loss results.
Get in touch with the bariatric expert today.
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