With the introduction of injectable GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, many patients have found a way to quickly shed the pounds and enjoy a higher quality of life. However, many individuals choose GLP-1s because they believe them to be the most cost-effective way to lose weight.
In reality, taking weight-loss medications long-term can result in nearly half a million dollars spent on injections over the course of a lifetime! In comparison, a one-time weight-loss surgery can deliver lasting, dramatic results without breaking the bank.
In this blog, our team at Roller Weight Loss + Advanced Surgery in Arkansas and Oklahoma discusses why weight loss surgery provides a more affordable and reliable solution to obesity and excess weight when compared to GLP-1 injections and how to tell which procedure is right for you.
What Are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 agonists mimic the body’s natural appetite-suppressing hormones, stabilizing blood sugar levels and curbing cravings for patients struggling with their weight. Common GLP-1s include Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound. To help minimize side effects, patients undergo injections once a week and gradually increase their dosages over time until a therapeutic dose has been reached.
What Is Weight Loss Surgery?
Weight loss, or bariatric surgery is performed to restrict the entry of food into the stomach by reshaping the gastrointestinal tract so it holds less food and absorbs fewer calories. There are several versions of the procedure, outlined below:
- Gastric Sleeve – With the gastric sleeve procedure, your bariatric surgeon creates a thin, vertical pouch in the abdomen, removing the rest of the stomach. The surgery prevents excess food from being consumed and allows patients to feel fuller faster. Caloric absorption and digestion remain normal and routine.
- Gastric Bypass – Gastric bypass restricts the entry of excess food into the digestive tract through the creation of a smaller stomach and also changes the digestive process by limiting the number of calories and nutrients the body can take in. Ingested food bypasses a significant portion of the stomach and the small intestine.
- Lap-Band Surgery – During laparoscopic gastric banding (Lap-Band) surgery, an adjustable band is placed around the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. As the patient eats food, the smaller pouch is filled up rapidly, signaling sensations of fullness to the brain. This helps reduce caloric intake so patients can lose weight.
-
Modified Duodenal Switch (ModDS): This is known as the “modified duodenal switch” (ModDS). It’s also sometimes referred to as SADS, SIPS, SADI, SADI-S, or the loop DS procedure. Instead of two connections as in the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or the more traditional duodenal switch, a single connection is made in a so-called “loop” configuration. By having one connection instead of two, the surgery is performed more quickly and with less risk of leaks, thereby decreasing the risk of surgery.
What Are the Advantages of Bariatric Surgery Over GLP-1s?
Bariatric surgery provides several unique advantages when compared to today’s weight loss injectables. Benefits include the following:
- More significant weight loss results
- Improvements are more sustainable and lasting
- Has a greater likelihood of controlling obesity-related conditions, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol, and may allow patients to reduce their dependency on – or completely eliminate – certain medications
- Limits the production of hunger hormones, which increases feelings of fullness for patients and curbs food cravings
- Can reduce the risk of death from weight-related diseases like cancer and heart conditions
- Enhances overall quality of life
- Reduces discomfort and immobility
- Cost-effective over time
Which Weight Loss Option is Right for Me?
Deciding between GLP-1 agonists and bariatric surgery requires consideration and research. Your medical history, goals, budget, and lifestyle will play a role in determining which treatment suits you best. Below are a few factors to take note of:
BMI and Comorbidities – Weight loss medications are approved for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 30. This number drops to 27 for those with at least one comorbidity (hypertension, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, etc.) With bariatric surgery, patients typically must have a BMI of over 30 or a BMI of 35 with significant comorbidities present.
Health Issues – While GLP-1s might be recommended in the short term for those with type 2 diabetes due to their ability to control blood sugar, bariatric surgery has been shown to provide long-term remission of diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Your Weight Loss Goals
To best determine the right weight loss strategy for you, you should first consider the amount of weight you wish to lose. GLP-1s allow for a loss of 5-15% of body weight over the first year with a healthy lifestyle in place. With bariatric surgery, patients can lose up to 60% of their excess weight within 6 months of the procedure and 77% within 12 months post-op. Because most patients retain 50% of their weight loss after 5 years, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) names bariatric surgery as the single most effective treatment for long-term weight management.
Your Time Commitment and Budget
GLP-1s require ongoing injections to sustain results. If the patient stops the medication, weight gain may occur, causing frustration and disappointment and a return of certain obesity-related health problems. Bariatric surgery is a one-time event that requires permanent lifestyle changes. The procedure takes fewer than 2 hours to complete, and patients are able to resume work within a few weeks.
The cost for GLP-1s is usually around $1,000/month, or $12,000/year. Bariatric surgery may cost more up front, but once surgery is complete, there are no additional costs to contend with. Additionally, insurance companies may cover all or part of the surgery.
Risks and Side Effects
While both weight loss injections and bariatric surgery come with inherent side effects, the benefits of shedding the pounds usually outweigh the risks, as treatment can reduce or eliminate diabetes, heart conditions, hypertension, cancer, sleep apnea, and other ailments that significantly threaten quality of life.
Common side effects with GLP-1s include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, rashes, and redness surrounding the injection site. More rare risks include inflammation of the pancreas, kidney disease, and severe dehydration.
Risks with bariatric surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clotting, leaks, poor reactions to anesthesia, and others. Your provider will discuss the risks of your chosen procedure in depth during your private consultation, making sure your expectations are grounded and realistic.
What Is the Takeaway?
While both GLP-1s and bariatric surgery provide viable solutions for obese or overweight individuals, weight loss surgery can produce more dramatic results and is ultimately more cost-effective for patients. If a patient pays $1000/month for GLP-1s, within two years, they will have spent $24,000, which is significantly more than if they underwent bariatric surgery and paid for it out of pocket.
When determining the best weight loss option for you, however, it is important to consider factors such as your BMI, health conditions, and time commitment. Sitting down with your medical provider for an in-depth consultation is the best way to determine the right path for regaining your health, comfort, appearance, and well-being through sustainable weight loss.
Want to Learn More About Bariatric Surgery in Arkansas? Contact Roller Weight Loss + Advanced Surgery Today to Book a Private Consultation!
At Roller Weight Loss + Advanced Surgery, our primary goal is to assist patients in reclaiming their vitality, comfort, and quality of life. We perform cutting-edge weight loss procedures utilizing Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery (ALS,) considered to be the safest surgical method available today. If you have questions about bariatric surgery in Arkansas and think you might be a candidate, reach out to us today to book your initial consultation with our caring, knowledgeable team.
