Why Weight Loss Surgery Outlasts Weight Loss Drugs
By Dr. Ayotunde Adeyeri
Medical Director, Sterling Surgicare | Medical Director, Institute for Weight Loss – Old Bridge Medical Center
Every day, you meet someone else taking prescription medication designed for diabetic care to lose weight. As a weight loss expert for almost 2 decades, I’ve seen the ‘miracle weight loss pill’ cycle come—and quickly go. The secret sauce for weight loss isn’t losing the weight—it’s keeping it off for months, years and decades to come. Below, I explain four specific reasons why bariatric surgery is superior to using weight loss drugs alone:
Long-Term Results
Weight loss surgery has been clinically proven to rapidly produce substantial weight loss up to one year after surgery. The GI tract is altered to promote smaller portions and improved overall health. In contrast, weight loss drugs may produce slower results, causing frustration for very overweight people. Long-term results and potentially harmful side effects after using weight loss drugs are unknown. When the patient discontinues these drugs, potential health risks are also untested and unknown.
Reversing Weight-Related Health Issues
Surgical weight loss not only aids in substantial weight reduction, but it can improve or resolve several obesity-related health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infertility, chronic joint pain, and obstructive sleep apnea. Weight loss drugs may offer some health benefits, but often fail to address these comorbidities to the same extent.
Addressing Underlying Obesity Causes
Obesity is a bigger issue than simple appetite control. This multi-factorial chronic disease of intermediary metabolism includes genetic factors, lifestyle and psychological/emotional factors. Our IWL comprehensive weight loss surgery program goes beyond simply suppressing appetite; it specifically addresses deeper issues related to lifestyle, food and exercise. Surgically modifying the digestive system helps patients reprogram their relationship with food, promote healthier eating habits and portion control for life.
Professional Weight Management Guidance and Support
Gastric surgery involves:
- Comprehensive pre-op medical evaluation
- Psychological counseling
- Ongoing private nutrition support
- Weight loss support group meetings
- A multidisciplinary team of obesity treatment professionals
This support is essential in helping patients adapt to a dramatically changed lifestyle and overcome physical and emotional challenges during weight loss and weight maintenance. On the other hand, weight loss drugs often lack significant personalized healthy lifestyle support and supervision.
While new weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may seem new and enticing, weight loss surgery remains the superior option for very overweight people seeking sustainable and long-term weight reduction. Remember, weight loss happens today, but weight management happens for life.
Ready to Find out More About Bariatric Surgery?
Are you interested in a safe surgical procedure to transform your health, increase your longevity and lose a significant amount of weight quickly? Call 732-217-3897 to make a private appointment to meet with Dr. Adeyeri to learn more, find out if you qualify and mutually determine which procedure can help you lose–main maintain–a large volume of extra weight. Beginning in 2023, Dr. Adeyeri is now an in-network provider for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.