Expectations After Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery -- like any surgical procedure, may require an extensive recovery period. Recovery time varies with the person, but usually takes at least one full week, and often up to three or four weeks.

New techniques have helped lessen recovery time. Today, the weight loss surgery can be performed minimally invasively via small incisions. In a few centers around the country, weight loss surgery is even done on an outpatient basis.

Most obese people lose about a pound a day for the first month or so after weight loss surgery. Then they may lose between 50% and 75% of their excess body weight within a full year after surgery. But even then, the process is not over. People who have weight loss surgery are at risk for medical problems due to nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease. They need to follow a careful healthy diet, exercise, and have regular checkups with doctors who can monitor their nutritional health.

Quick Questions to Ask Yourself About Weight Loss Surgery 

Ask yourself these questions, from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, if you are considering weight loss surgery. If you answer yes to many or all of them, start by calling a surgeon and your insurance company.

Are you?

Unlikely to lose weight or keep weight off long term with non-surgical measures?
Well informed about the surgical procedure and the effects of treatment?
Determined to lose weight and improve your health?
Aware of how your life may change after the operation (adjustments to the side effects of the operation include the need to chew   food well and inability to eat large meals)?
Aware of the potential for serious complications, dietary restrictions, and occasional failures?
Committed to lifelong medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral supplementation?