Life after a gastric sleeve: the first year, honestly
Rapid loss for six months, a plateau that frightens everyone, and a set of habits that decide the next decade.
Weeks 1-4: liquids and purée
Two weeks of clear then full liquids, then two of purée. The challenge is not hunger. It is remembering to drink enough between meals, since you cannot drink with food. Dehydration is the commonest reason for readmission.
Months 2-6: rapid loss
Most patients lose 40-50% of their excess weight in this window. Hair shedding around month three is common and temporary, caused by rapid loss and lower protein intake, not by the surgery itself.
Months 7-12: the plateau
Loss slows sharply and many patients panic. This is physiological: metabolic rate falls with body mass. The answer is protein, resistance training and patience, not eating less, which triggers muscle loss.
Year one onward: what protects the result
Protein first at every meal, 90 minutes of activity a week minimum, annual bloods, and honesty about grazing, the single behaviour most associated with regain after a sleeve.
The Ones People Actually Ask.
Will I lose hair?
Often, around months 3-5, and it regrows. Adequate protein, iron, zinc and B12 minimise it.
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What Stands Behind The Plan.
