Gastric sleeve weight loss tips

Surgeon Response To: Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Tips

by: John M. Rabkin, M.D.

Charlie,

Congratulations on proceeding with your Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG.) You'll be very pleased with the weight loss you'll enjoy and the associated benefit of improvement in your weight related medical morbidities.

After undergoing the VSG, once you have 'conquered' the step of maintaining your hydration, following the rule of 'protein first' will be your next area of focus. This means that you'll eat primarily protein and avoid carbohydrates and fats. Only when not feeling satiated/"full" after eating 25 to 30 grams of protein at a meal would you then add other types of foodstuffs to your diet if you're still hungry. Avoiding between meal snacks high in calories (including protein snacks once you're eating a sufficient amount of protein with your meals) is also a technique to enhance your weight loss.

Furthermore, to enhance/maximize your post VSG weight loss, I'd encourage you to avoid liquid calories of all types. This includes discontinuation of any liquid protein supplements that you may use in your immediate/early post operative recovery phase to optimize healing and preserve lean muscle mass when you may need this 'extra' protein source. Once you're able to achieve your required daily protein intake using solid protein (ie: eating regular food) the liquid protein supplements are additional unnecessary calories that don't provide the equivalent satiety (sense of fullness) of the solid protein/food that you'll be enjoying.

Long term optimal weight loss and weight loss maintenance after the VSG depends on adherence to a calorie restricted diet facilitated by the sense of early satiety the procedure creates as the operation does not have any associated calorie malabsorption to enhance/maintain the weight loss.

Routine exercise after your VSG is also an important component of your recovery and weight loss. Once authorized by your surgeon, incorporating a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in your daily routine will enhance your weight loss.

Depending on your line of work, you may be able to return to work very quickly, possibly even within a few days of surgery. This should be reviewed with your surgeon to comply with any limitations he/she may require during your early post operative recovery. However, remember that you're taking this step of undergoing the VSG to improve your health and well being so you should take the necessary time needed off work to focus on yourself and maximize the benefits you can enjoy from the surgery.

John M. Rabkin, M.D.
Pacific Laparoscopy

(click here for Dr. Rabkin's full bio & contact info)

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the details provided. The above should never replace the advice of your local physicians as they have the ability to evaluate you in person.

Related Pages:

• Gastric Sleeve Diet - How Successful Patients Eat
• Gastric Sleeve Before and After Pictures & What You Can Expect