October 31, 2021

What If I Lose Too Much Weight After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Lifestyle • Post Operative Care

Understanding Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

If the most common question my patients ask during their initial consultation is “how much weight will I lose?”, “what if I loose too much weight after gastric sleeve ?” is a close second.

This fear is understandable—many patients have heard horror stories of weight loss surgery performed decades ago or in other (less regulated) countries—but it’s one I’m happy to dispel.

The Mechanism Behind Weight Loss and Set Points

Over the years, I’ve found that the most effective way to help alleviate my patients’ fears is to help them understand that the same mechanisms that have been keeping them overweight will also ensure that they don’t lose too much weight.

We already know that when you are overweight or obese, your ‘natural’ weight has reset at this higher range. When you then start to lose weight through dieting, your body works to bring you back up to this ‘new normal’ by doing things like slowing your metabolism, producing hormones that make you feel hungry, encouraging bingeing behaviours, and increasing food cravings.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery: Resetting the ‘Natural’ Weight

When you undergo bariatric sleeve surgery, these mechanisms are effectively bypassed, and your “natural” weight resets at a lower point.

In the first weeks following surgery, patients begin to see their weight decrease dramatically in order to reach this new natural point, and they start to get scared that their weight may be coming down too fast.

But as they approach that “new normal”, they’ll notice the weight loss begins to slow, and in time settles at their new “natural” weight.

Addressing Concerns About Excessive Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve

losing too much weight after gastric sleeve, too skinny after gastric bypass, excessive weight loss after bariatric surgery

Many patients express concerns about “losing too much weight after gastric sleeve” or experiencing “excessive weight loss after bariatric surgery.” Understanding these concerns and how they are addressed is crucial for anyone considering this life-changing procedure.

The Rarity of Excessive Weight Loss

Wile it’s not impossible to lose too much weight as a result of bariatric sleeve surgery, it is extraordinarily rare and usually a result of these circumstances:

Post-Surgical Complications

In very rare cases, complications such as a sleeve narrowing might lead to issues like “can you lose too much weight after gastric sleeve.” Immediate medical attention and corrective procedures are essential in such scenarios. If this isn’t addressed and corrected, it can result in food intolerance and result in excess weight loss.

Metabolic Adjustments and Weight Loss

After a gastric sleeve, the body undergoes significant metabolic changes. While these changes are intended to facilitate weight loss, in rare instances, they might lead to concerns like “can’t stop losing weight after gastric sleeve” or becoming too skinny after gastric sleeve.

Nutritional Considerations

Post-surgical nutrition is key in preventing excessive weight loss after bariatric surgery. A balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients, is crucial to maintain healthy weight levels and prevent becoming “too skinny after gastric bypass.”

Pre-Existing Eating Disorders

A pre-existing eating disorder.

Patients with a history of eating disorders might face unique challenges, such as “can’t stop losing weight after gastric bypass.” Ongoing mental health support is vital in these cases to ensure healthy eating patterns are maintained.

In patients who have eating disorders—particularly anorexia and bulimia—it’s possible for gastric sleeve surgery to trigger past behaviours. Because the surgery results in a decreased appetite and a reduction in the amount of food one can eat, it can sometimes encourage a resurgence in restrictive and purging behaviours. In these cases, it’s not the surgery itself that causes too much weight loss, but the impacts of these psychological struggles.

The Role of Comprehensive Care in Managing Weight

Regular Follow-ups for Sustainable Weight Management:

Consistent follow-up care is crucial to address concerns like “lost too much weight after gastric sleeve.” These sessions help in monitoring and adjusting dietary plans to ensure a balanced and healthy weight post-surgery.

Psychological Support for Holistic Health:

Understanding the psychological aspects, especially for those worried about becoming “too skinny after gastric sleeve,” is as important as the physical aspects. Counseling and support groups can provide the necessary emotional and mental health support.

During your initial consultation, I will review all risks and concerns—no matter how rare—in great detail. Contact us today to learn more.

For those who are thinking about sleeve surgery, here’s some next steps to take:

Evaluate your eligibility: Take a quick online quiz to see if you qualify for sleeve surgery
How Much Will I lose After Sleeve Surgery? Calculate weight loss
Seek expert advice: Speak with a Sleeve Clinic Program Advisor
Gastric Sleeve Surgery vs. Gastric Bypass: Which is Right for You?

If you are considering sleeve surgery you can book a consultation with our gastric sleeve surgeon at our weight loss clinic inToronto here: Contact us!