Comparing Weight-Loss Surgery and Medications
Obesity is a significant health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects nearly 42% of adults in the country. Obesity can lead to some leading causes of preventable death, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Many people try several diets and exercise regimens but still struggle to lose excess weight. For some of them, weight-loss (bariatric) surgery or medications may be options.
Southwest Healthcare Palmdale Regional Medical Center is home to a Comprehensive Weight-Loss Center, offering several surgical procedures, as well as individualized support from decision-making through surgery and follow-up care.
Tabitha Mort, RN, Bariatric Coordinator at Palmdale Regional, underwent weight-loss surgery herself. She knows firsthand the courage and determination it takes to make a lifelong change for a healthier lifestyle.
Here, Mort provides an overview of bariatric surgery options at the hospital and discusses available weight-loss medications.
Types of bariatric surgery at Palmdale Regional
The hospital offers several types of weight-loss surgery to help patients lose weight and improve their health:
Gastric bypass
The top portion of the stomach is stapled to create a small pouch that is connected to the small intestine. This reduces the amount of food eaten as well as calorie absorption.
Adjustable gastric banding (LAP-BAND®)
Gastric banding is performed laparoscopically by placing an inflatable band around the upper part of the stomach. The new, small upper pouch and narrowed outlet limit stomach capacity and increase the feeling of fullness.
Gastric sleeve
About 60 to 85 percent of the stomach is removed, so that it takes the shape of a “sleeve” or tube to reduce hunger. Unlike LAP-BAND® surgery, there is no foreign body implanted. And unlike gastric bypass, there is less change in nutrient absorption.
What about weight-loss medications?
Weight-loss medications are another option for patients and work by reducing hunger and helping patients feel fuller, longer. These include semaglutide (Wegovy® and Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (ZepBound® and Mounjaro®).
“Semaglutide, works by mimicking a naturally-occurring hormone that signals fullness to the brain,” Mort explains. “Patients using semaglutide can lose an average of 15% of their body weight, which could mean around 35 pounds for many patients. With tirzepatide, patients can lose about 20% of their total body weight.”
Mort is quick to point out that weight-loss medications are not miracle drugs. “They’re a tool that can be used for successful weight-loss,” Mort stressed. “It is common for people to regain that weight after stopping the medication.”
Understanding the risks of surgery and medication
Like any medical treatment, bariatric surgery and weight-loss medications have potential risks. Surgery-related risks include infection, blood clots and digestive issues. Medications may carry side effects ranging from mild (such as nausea and fatigue) to serious complications in rare cases, such as pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.
“Patients need to have a thorough discussion with their doctor to understand the potential risks,” Mort advises.
Lifestyle changes are crucial
Patients preparing for bariatric surgery will need to follow a specific pre-operative diet to make the surgery safer. After surgery, recovery takes about a month and patients will gradually transition from a liquid diet to solid foods.
“Your diet will focus on protein intake and learning new habits like eating slowly, logging your food, and concentrating on hydration,” says Mort. Patients are also advised to take vitamins regularly, as the body may not absorb nutrients as effectively after surgery.
For those using weight loss medications, lifestyle changes are equally important. “Weight-loss medications should be used with a healthy diet and exercise,” Mort advises. “Without these changes, patients are likely to regain the weight they lost once they stop the medication.”
Looking for weight-loss options?
If diet and exercise have not worked for you, talk with your doctor about whether weight-loss surgery or weight-loss medications are right for you.
People with obesity often find that certain other, related health conditions can significantly improve or even resolve after losing the weight. These conditions include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
It’s important to remember that weight-loss is a journey. With the right tools, guidance and support, you can make meaningful progress toward a healthier life.
Listen to Tabitha Mort, RN, on our podcast
Weight-Loss Surgery at Palmdale Regional
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if bariatric surgery is right for you.