Loss of Muscle Mass

There are many potential bariatric surgery side effects, and one which we often explain to our patients is the potential for a loss of muscle mass. Use the bariatric surgery information below to learn more about why this occurs, and how it can be avoided.

After bariatric surgery, the body transforms into what we call a catabolic or “breakdown” state. This is perceived by your body as being in a starvation state and by trying to combat starvation, your body will hoard its precious fat until any other usable fuel has been burned.

In general, the body will prefer to use muscle as energy before consuming fat after bariatric surgery as a result. This is why, if muscle is not regularly used (as in regular exercise), more muscle will be consumed to meet energy needs, contributing to the loss of muscle mass is one of the more common bariatric surgery side effects.

Loss of muscle mass after bariatric surgery is preventable. It is important to exercise regularly during active weight loss after bariatric surgery. Many of our patients find that after a few weeks or months of regular daily exercise, that they actually begin to enjoy it, and start to work out even more. Fairly vigorous exercise for more than 30 minutes a day can greatly enhance fat loss, increase weight loss and prevent muscle loss.

Learn about more after bariatric surgery side effects by exploring the rest of this section of our website, and call the New York Bariatric Group at 800-633-THIN for more information.

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Loss of Muscle Mass

Thomas

Lost 145lbs

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

Nicole

Lost 76lbs

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

Robert

Lost 76lbs

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

Samantha

Lost 92lbs

I feel like a completely different person.

Eileen

Lost 99lbs

It saved my life.

Brittany

Lost 126lbs