Bariatric Surgery vs. GLP-1 Drugs: Why Surgical Weight Loss Wins Over Ozempic

As we know obesity rates keep rising, New medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have shown good results in helping people lose weight. Meanwhile, bariatric surgery is still considered a top treatment for obesity. This Blog will compare Ozempic and bariatric surgery.
Bariatric Surgery vs. GLP-1 Drugs

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Weight loss plays a crucial role in enhancing overall health for many people. With numerous options available, it’s important to understand the effectiveness of each method. Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are two popular choices. This blog post delves into why bariatric surgery might be a better option for achieving sustainable weight loss.

What is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery includes various procedures that help people lose weight by changing how the digestive system works. This can mean making the stomach smaller or changing the path of the digestive tract. The aim is to eat less and absorb fewer nutrients, leading to weight loss.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

There are several common types of bariatric surgery. These include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, MGB, and sleeve plus procedures

  • Gastric bypass: A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine.
  • Sleeve gastrectomy: A large part of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-like structure.
  • Mgb:  It involves making a long tubular stomach Tube bypassing and attaching it  to a loop of intestine .
  • Sleeve plus procedures: This involves performing a sleeve surgery and adding a bypass to the sleeve to enhance its effectiveness

Each surgery has its own benefits and risks, so it’s important to choose the right one based on personal needs and medical advice.

What You Should Know About Obesity Drugs

GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy are used to treat obesity and diabetes. They help lower blood sugar levels and reduce hunger. These medications are usually injections taken once a week, though semaglutide is also available as a daily pill.GLP-1 medications are very popular right now. “They offer a lower-risk weight loss solution than surgery. For some people with certain medical conditions, surgery isn’t an option, so these medications are a good alternative.”
Insurance can be a problem. Most companies require a BMI of 30 if you have no other medical conditions, and a BMI of 27 if you do. Some insurance companies don’t cover these medications, and paying out of pocket can cost $1,000 or more per month.

Another issue is that people can regain half the weight they lost when they stop taking the medications. “The medications control hunger, and when they are stopped, the hunger returns,” explains Fielding. “It’s like blood pressure medications—you have controlled blood pressure while on them, but it goes up when you stop.”

“These medications are great and very effective if you want to lose 30 pounds,” says Ren-Fielding. “But if you want to lose 100 pounds, they’re not as effective. Surgery is the best option in those cases.”

Comparing Effectiveness: Bariatric Surgery vs. GLP-1 Drugs


When considering weight loss options, it’s important to compare the effectiveness of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs.

Short-term Results

In the short term, both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs can lead to significant weight loss. Patients who have bariatric surgery often see rapid weight loss in the first six months to a year. GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic can also cause weight loss, but it might be slower and less dramatic than surgery. With GLP-1 drugs, weight loss is gradual and requires continuous use of the medication to keep losing weight.

Long-term Success Rates

The long-term success rates of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs differ greatly. Bariatric surgery has a strong track record of sustained weight loss for several years. Studies show that patients can keep a significant portion of their weight off for up to ten years after surgery. In contrast, the long-term effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs is less certain. Continuous use of the medication is often needed to maintain weight loss, and stopping the medication can lead to regaining the weight. This makes bariatric surgery a more reliable option for those looking for long-term weight loss.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Over GLP-1 Drugs

There are several reasons why bariatric surgery might be better than GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.

Comprehensive Weight Loss

Bariatric surgery usually leads to more significant weight loss compared to GLP-1 drugs. The surgery changes the digestive system, which dramatically reduces food intake and nutrient absorption. This thorough approach helps patients achieve and maintain their weight loss goals more effectively in the long term.

Health Improvements

Besides weight loss, bariatric surgery provides many health benefits. Many patients see big improvements in conditions related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Weight loss also lowers the risk of heart disease and improves overall quality of life. While GLP-1 drugs can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes complications, they might not offer the same level of overall health improvements as bariatric surgery.


Risks and Considerations

Both bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs have potential risks and considerations that need to be addressed.

Surgical Risks

Bariatric surgery, like any surgery, comes with risks. These can include complications like infection, bleeding,  Long-term issues like nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems. It’s important for patients to talk about these risks with their doctor and weigh them against the benefits before deciding on surgery.

Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs

GLP-1 drugs can also have side effects. Common ones include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Some patients might experience more serious issues, like pancreatitis or kidney problems. Long-term use of GLP-1 drugs can make them less effective, requiring dosage changes or different medications. Patients need to work closely with their doctor to monitor and manage any side effects.1

Conclusion

When choosing between bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, it’s essential to consider the effectiveness, benefits, and potential risks of each option. Bariatric surgery often provides more substantial and sustained weight loss, along with significant health improvements. While GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic can aid in weight management, they may not offer the same long-term results. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs, health conditions, and a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider.

By understanding the differences between these weight loss options, patients can make informed decisions and choose the path that best suits their goals and lifestyle.

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bariatric-surgery-better-for-weight-loss-than-glp-1-drugs-such-as-ozempic#What-is-the-best-choice-for-weight-loss ↩︎
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Dr. Tulip

Dr. Tulip is an advanced laparoscopic and Bariatric surgeon practicing in Bangalore at TODS- Dr. Tulips Obesity and Diabetes Surgery Centre

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