WHAT TO EXPECT

   Normal, Healthy Lifestyle

   After the Procedure

   The First Year

   Maintaining Weight Loss

   FAQ's

What to Expect in the First Year

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Getting Started with Aspiration Therapy (Month 1)
In the first month of Aspiration Therapy, many patients see weight come off very quickly! The target weight loss is about 1 to 2 pounds per week, but weight loss is likely to be even more rapid during the first few weeks. Each person’s journey will be very different, and it may take some time to get used to Aspiration Therapy. During this time, you will begin learning how to fit it into your daily routine and how to be comfortable using the AspireAssist. By the end of the first month, patients may feel more energetic and in control of their health already. Your clothes might be fitting looser, too!

You will also be monitored carefully by your doctor to make sure you are losing weight successfully and in a healthy way. Most patients will have a follow-up visit with their physician a few weeks after starting Aspiration Therapy. During this visit, your healthcare provider may also shorten your tube, to adjust for any weight loss around the tube site. With Aspiration Therapy, you will also take a daily multivitamin and a potassium supplement, as well as an acid-reducing medication. These medications are important to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes and metabolites. 

During this time, you may also become involved in a support group with other patients using the AspireAssist. These groups are an excellent way to stay motivated, learn from each other and stay on track throughout your journey!

Continuing to See Results (Month 2 – 6)
Rapid weight loss will continue, if you aspirate regularly! By now, you will be aspirating quickly and effectively. You will have established a routine that incorporates where and how aspirating fits into your day. This is the time to focus on aspirating after every meal, about 2-3 times per day. It is important that you continue to be monitored regularly by your healthcare team. Patients generally return to their physician’s office about once a month for a checkup. These visits may include blood tests to be sure your electrolyte and other blood levels stay in a healthy range, and A-Tube shortening as needed. 

By the end of six months, patients who aspirate regularly lose about 40% of their excess weight. With these dramatic changes in weight, many patients begin to make positive changes in their lifestyle to match their new, leaner body! Through the lifestyle modification program, you will learn to make better food choices and slowly increase your physical activity levels. Over these few months, you will likely drop a size or two. Reward your hard work by shopping for some new clothes!

Focus on Positive Lifestyle Changes (Month 6 – 12)
For many patients, weight loss continues at a slower pace after 6 months. With reduced body weight, you will need to decrease the amount of calories absorbed by your body to continue losing weight. Aspirating regularly now is more important than ever. This is a great time to focus on making lifestyle changes towards a healthy, balanced life. Exercising will be easier than ever with a leaner body, and your Lifestyle Modification Program will arm you with many tools to develop healthier eating habits.

Although your physician will continue to monitor your progress, physician visits will usually become less frequent after six months. Skin-Port shortening will also be less frequent now. Patients can achieve their goal weight loss by the end of their first year if they continue to aspirate regularly, and make gradual changes in their lifestyle.


>> Learn about Maintaining Your Weight Loss