Weight Loss After Surgery

Your weight loss begins immediately after the operation. The majority of people will continue to lose weight for approximately 12 months. The amount of weight a patient will lose every month will vary depending upon the height and weight prior to surgery. A reasonable expectation is to expect to lose 50% or more of your excess body weight and many patients will get to within 30–40 pounds of their ideal body weight. In general, the weight loss is complete within 12 months and may plateau unless you institute an exercise program. The percent of weight loss among different patients varies and depends upon a number of factors such as exercise, food choices, and daily calorie requirements.

When people lose large amounts of weight, there are three areas of the body that may have excess skin. These are the abdomen, the back of the upper arms, and the thighs. While an exercise program will help tone muscle and assist in reducing the amount of redundant skin, it may not completely solve the problem. The most common area to be affected is the abdomen. If this is a problem after weight loss is complete, a plastic surgery procedure (a “tummy tuck”) may be necessary.