Weight loss can feel impossible with diet and exercise alone. For some people struggling with obesity and obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, losing weight can be difficult.
The good news is that several weight loss procedures help you lose excess weight and keep it off for the long term. A gastric bypass is an excellent option for those hoping to drop weight healthily and effectively.
Undergoing a gastric bypass changes how the body processes food. This shift allows a patient to lose substantial amounts of unwanted weight that was not possible with diet and exercise alone.
Most who opt for a gastric bypass can expect to lose between 60% to 80% of their excess weight by surgically altering the size of their stomach and the way their digestive system processes nutrients.
But when do you stop losing weight after gastric bypass? Let’s discuss the weight loss timeline of gastric bypass in more detail below.
Post-Surgery Gastric Bypass Milestones
While the surgery is the pinnacle of your weight loss journey, regular follow-up visits with your bariatric surgeon post-surgery are imperative to your weight loss success and overall health.
For all gastric bypass surgeries, visits are scheduled at the following post-operative intervals:
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
During these visits, your bariatric surgeon will complete a thorough assessment of your progress from both a weight loss and a health standpoint. If you’re struggling to lose weight, changes made be made to your diet or lifestyle recommendations.
When Do You Stop Losing Weight After Gastric Bypass?
The short answer is that it depends.
Each person’s weight loss journey is different, even with the same type of bariatric surgery, like gastric bypass. But, generally speaking, you should be at 30% to 40% of your weight loss goal by 6 months post-operative, losing about one to two pounds per week.
You should have lost almost all your excess weight from 1 year to 18 months post-surgery. Most patients reach their goal weight by 18 months.
After hitting your goal weight, you will adjust to a new diet that helps maintain your weight, which is when you most often stop losing weight.
Effective Ways to Keep the Weight Off After Gastric Bypass
The most common cause of weight gain following gastric bypass is reverting back to poor eating habits. So, in general, the best way to keep the weight off after bariatric surgery is to follow a healthy diet rich in whole foods as instructed by your bariatric surgeon.
If you’ve had a gastric bypass in the last year or so and are still struggling to lose weight, you must speak with your bariatric surgeon to determine the exact cause of your weight loss plateau.
To maintain a healthy weight after gastric bypass, follow the instructions of your surgeon precisely and stick to weight loss best practices, including
- Eating lean proteins, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits, and vegetables
- Cutting back on carbohydrates and refined sugars
- Tracking and consuming enough protein daily
- Increasing your exercise time
- Changing up your workout routine regularly
- Managing stress
- Getting a good night’s sleep consistently
- Avoiding alcohol and smoking
- Drinking enough water each day
- Continuing to take suggested multivitamins and mineral supplements
Gastric Bypass Helps You Keep the Weight Off for Good
If you or someone you love is living with obesity and struggling to lose weight, gastric bypass may be the best treatment option.
Comprehensive weight loss treatment can help you lose significant weight, while our team of experts provides the tools and education you need to keep the weight off long-term.
If you’ve considered weight loss surgery, we encourage you to learn more about gastric bypass.
With the proven effects of significantly decreasing your body weight and alleviating obesity-related health conditions, gastric bypass can positively change your life.
Contact our team of bariatric experts to schedule a consultation today.
