A Window of Opportunity
Many patients who suffer from severe obesity in Connecticut find help losing significant and sustained weight through bariatric surgery. There are several different types of weight loss surgery offered at Griffin Hospital. Our bariatric team will discuss your non-surgical and surgical options, taking into consideration your age, co-morbid conditions, lifestyle, expected surgical risk and weight loss goal. The average amount of expected weight loss varies with each surgery type:
Lap Band Procedure: 50% of excess weight
Sleeve Gastectomy: 60 % of excess weight
Gastric Bypass: 70% of excess weight
Revisional Surgery: case specific
Hitting the target weight loss and exceeding weight loss expectations
No matter which bariatric surgery is right for you, how quickly to jump into a healthy lifestyle directly affects how much total weight you are most likely to lose. Weight loss after bariatric surgery is very much a window of opportunity. The fastest weight loss is typically in the first 6-9 months and gradually decreases over the next 6-9 months to stabilize around 18 to 24 months post-op. That being understood, there are some ways you can make the most of this window of opportunity:
• Start exercising before surgery. Griffin Hospital’s bariatric exercise program is open to everyone and the team of specialized exercise physiologists is here to help you get in shape for surgery and get a head start on weight loss.
• Avoid the last supper syndrome. Looking at the average weight loss with any bariatric surgery, you can see that there is never a 100% total excess weight loss. That does not mean that it does not happen. However, try to work with our dietitians as recommended to ensure that you maintain, or maybe even lose, weight before surgery.
• Stick to the plan. Every diet is hard. Weight loss surgery is not a diet. It is a lifestyle change. It can be even harder. After bariatric surgery, good nutrition is not only important for weight loss. It is crucial for maintaining strong muscles and bones, beautiful skin and hair and a healthy body. Forget the sugary drinks and follow the recommended plan of foods that fuel your body and maximize weight loss.
• Take the recommended supplements. Bariatric surgery makes your body work differently. Thus, ensure that you take bariatric formulated vitamins, minerals and protein supplements. Further, patients who take daily probiotics, tend to lose and maintain more weight.
• Sweat. Being active, running after the kids, cleaning the household are all great activities, however, to maximize weight loss, you must dedicate time to exercise and sweat! Walk at a fast pace, dance, ride a bicycle. Whatever you do, do it every day. Start as soon as your surgeon clears you to exercise. This will not only ensure maximum weight loss, but help you maintain the weight loss for years to come.
• Be part of the community. Obesity is a lifelong challenge and it has its ups and downs. You cannot do it alone (besides, it is not very much fun that way). Attend our support groups and workshops and find out how far you can go with friends that support you and understand your journey.
To find out if bariatric surgery is right for you, please attend a free seminar. Please contact Kim Fisher, Patient Care Specialist, to learn more about the support services offered through Griffin Bariatrics.
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Need help registering for support groups, monthly workshops or bariatric seminars? Unsure of the process or how to begin? We take pride in offering concierge style guidance for all current and potential patients.