The Lasting Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Versus Quick Results of Semaglutides

By: Moises Jacobs, MD, FACS, medical director of the Bariatric Surgery Center at Jackson South

Obesity is a chronic condition that can seriously affect quality of life. As obesity rates rise, so are the quests for effective treatment options. Among the most prominent methods are bariatric surgery and semaglutide medications, like Ozempic and Wegovy. Although semaglutides provide quick weight-loss results, bariatric surgery offers more sustainable benefits, making it a better option for long-term health and weight management.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery

1. More weight loss: Bariatric surgery leads to substantial weight loss, averaging about 25 percent more total weight loss compared to non-surgical methods. This large decrease is key for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) who need to lose a large amount of weight to improve their health.
2. One-time procedure: Unlike ongoing medication routines, bariatric surgery is a one-time event, typically taking one to two hours to complete. Although there is a 15 percent re-intervention rate, this is a lot less time-consuming compared to the lifelong need for medicine.
3. Health improvements: Bariatric surgery is not just about weight loss; it also brings significant health benefits, including the reduction of obesity-related conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. The surgery has been shown to decrease near-term mortality and improve overall well-being.

Benefits of Semaglutides

1. Significant weight loss: Semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy can induce weight loss of about 15 to 20 percent. This is a large amount, especially for those who prefer a non-surgical approach.

Sustainability of Long-Term Weight Loss

One thing to consider when choosing semaglutides is how dependent you’ll have to be on the medication. Despite the impressive weight loss, patients need to continue taking these medications forever. Patients who stop taking them often gain back the weight.

For patients with higher BMIs, bariatric surgery consistently shows better results when it comes to long-term weight loss compared to semaglutides alone. The physical changes that come with surgery provide a solution that medication alone often can’t achieve.

Maintaining a Healthier Lifestyle

While semaglutides can be a powerful tool, they aren’t expected to replace bariatric surgery as the best treatment for obesity. Instead, they may complement surgery, helping patients achieve larger and longer-lasting weight loss. In some cases, combining weight-loss medications with bariatric surgery can improve outcomes, especially when carefully used before or after surgery.