By Everything Lifestyle Staff

pros and cons

Bariatric Surgery vs. Weight Loss Drugs: Is One Right for You?

May 1, 2024 | 7:47 AM

Here are answers to common questions about these two weight loss options.

Obesity is a chronic medical condition and many people with this condition find it difficult to successfully lose weight through diet and exercise alone. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, some procedures and medications can help you lose weight and keep it off, but there are benefits and drawbacks to consider with each.

Bariatric surgery has long been considered the gold standard when it comes to helping people lose a significant amount of weight. Now with the increasing popularity of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro and other semaglutide drugs, there are alternatives to weight loss surgery and you may be wondering if one of those options is right for you.

Here are answers to some common questions about bariatric surgery and weight loss drugs that can help you decide.

How do they work?

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• Surgery: Common bariatric surgery procedures, like gastric sleeve, Roux-en-Y and gastric band surgery, restrict the size of the stomach in different ways. It is believed they also change hormone levels and gut microbiota that affect feelings of hunger and fullness.
• Medication: Weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro mimic the digestive hormone GLP-1, which slows the emptying of the stomach and increases feelings of fullness, in addition to boosting insulin levels.

How much weight do people typically lose?

• Surgery: Many patients who undergo weight loss surgery lose between 40 and 70 percent of their excess weight, although different types of bariatric procedures may produce different results.
• Medication: Outcomes from clinical trials indicate that people taking GLP-1 weight loss drugs may see reductions in weight of more than 20 percent.

What risks and side effects are possible?

• Surgery: All surgeries come with some risk, although many bariatric procedures are done laparoscopically so they are minimally invasive. In addition to a low risk of complications during surgery, bariatric patients may experience side effects following surgery, including nutritional deficiencies, gallbladder issues, dumping syndrome and more.
• Medication: GLP-1 medications may have uncomfortable side effects, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, although they usually subside after a few weeks on the medication. If side effects are bothersome, it may cause you to stop taking the drugs.

Is regaining weight common?

• Surgery: Although bariatric patients often lose a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time after surgery, some regain a portion (or all) of their lost weight after several years.
• Medication: GLP-1 drugs need to be taken for life to maintain results. Many people regain the weight they lose if they stop taking the medication.

Are bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs ever used at the same time?

Doctors may prescribe GLP-1 drugs in conjunction with bariatric surgery. One use for GLP-1 medications is that it can help people lose enough weight before surgery to lower surgery risks. It may also be used to help bariatric patients who regain weight after surgery better manage their weight over the long term.

How can I get more information about these weight loss methods?

If you are considering bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can make the most informed decision possible. Both of these options are not “quick fixes” and require a long-term commitment, so it is best to have as much information as possible before deciding if either option is right for you.

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_{Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD}