Ozempic and Wegovy vs. Weight Loss Surgery: What You Should Know
Recently, a lot of attention has been brought to Ozempic, a medication initially developed to treat non-insulin-dependent diabetes that has shown to be an effective weight loss solution. Ozempic and similar medications offer promising weight management results. Many with diabetes who are considering bariatric surgery are now comparing Ozempic and weight loss drugs against weight loss surgery to determine the better treatment option.
The medical team at Tijuana Bariatrics in Mexico, explains how weight loss medications work and helps them consider their effectiveness compared to bariatric surgery. We discuss additional bariatric surgery benefits that make it the preferred weight loss solution for many people.
How Do Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs Work?
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist medications. These medications were initially used to treat non-insulin-dependent diabetes. After showing potential to assist with weight management, Ozempic and Wegovy have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as weight loss medications when used as an adjunct to lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise habits. Mounjaro is not yet FDA-approved but has shown promising weight management results in studies and could be approved by the end of 2023.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient–semaglutide. Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. All three medications work by mimicking hormones called incretins that signal the pancreas to release insulin after eating and signal the liver to make less glucose. The injectable medications also slow the passage of food through the digestive tract so that people feel full faster and have less of an appetite.
How Does Bariatric Surgery Work?
Several bariatric techniques are available, each of which varies slightly. All bariatric surgery techniques encourage weight loss by reducing the stomach’s size. Some bariatric techniques also alter the digestive tract. After surgery, patients have a significantly lower appetite and the body absorbs fewer calories, which makes it easier to lose weight.
The surgeons at Tijuana Bariatrics perform bariatric surgery with advanced laparoscopic techniques. These procedures are minimally invasive and use smaller incisions to decrease blood loss, minimize pain, reduce the need for analgesics, and shorten treatment recovery.
Does Medication or Bariatric Surgery Produce Greater Weight Loss Results?
When weight loss drugs are used alongside diet and exercise changes, patients can expect to lose around 15 percent of their starting body weight. Weight loss medications offer impressive results but they do not compare to typical bariatric surgery results.
Individuals who undergo surgery at Tijuana Bariatrics usually experience a 70 percent reduction in their initial body weight.
Additional Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss results from bariatric surgery are far greater than those from Ozempic and other weight management medications. In addition to encouraging weight loss, bariatric surgery offers the following benefits:
- Improvement or cure of obesity-related medical conditions (including type-2 diabetes)
- Improved longevity
- Long-term weight loss success
- Improved quality of life
Contact Our Surgical Center
If you have been unsuccessful at losing weight through diet and exercise alone, you may be an ideal candidate for bariatric surgery. To learn about the surgical techniques offered at Tijuana Bariatrics, contact our weight loss surgery clinic at your earliest convenience.
