Why Bariatric Surgery is Still the Best Option for Lasting Weight Loss
If you’ve been struggling with your weight, you’ve likely tried various diets, exercise plans, and maybe even the latest weight-loss medications. While these methods can help, they often fall short when it comes to achieving long-term, sustainable weight loss. That’s why I want to talk to you about bariatric surgery—an option that’s not just effective but truly life-changing. Recent research confirms that when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, bariatric surgery is the gold standard.
As noted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), “Metabolic and bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity” and should be considered much earlier in the treatment process, not just as a last resort.
What the Latest Weight Loss Research Shows
Recent studies compared three main ways to lose weight: lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise), new medications, and bariatric surgery. Here’s what the research found:
| Weight-Loss Method | Average Weight Loss | Sustainability |
|---|---|---|
| Diet & Exercise | 7.4% of body weight | Weight regained within 4 years |
| Semaglutide (Wegovy) | 10.6% of body weight | Partial regain after stopping, levels off at 14.9% |
| Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) | 21.1% of body weight | Partial regain after stopping, levels off at 22.5% |
| Bariatric Surgery | 29.5% – 31.9% of body weight | Sustained weight loss of ~25% for up to 10 years |
As the table shows, while beneficial for overall health, diet, and exercise result in modest weight loss that is often not maintained. New drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro offer more significant initial results. Still, these benefits diminish if the medication is stopped, and even with continuous use, the weight loss tends to plateau.
In stark contrast, bariatric surgery consistently outperforms these methods, leading to an average weight loss of 30% or more of total body weight. What’s even more remarkable is that this weight loss is not just immediate but sustained—patients maintain around 25% weight loss for up to 10 years. This kind of long-term success is unmatched by any other available treatment option.
- Diet and Exercise: We all know that eating better and moving more are important. However, the studies showed that while people lost some weight (about 7% of their body weight), most gained it back within a few years.
- New Weight-Loss Medications: You may have heard of new drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications can help you lose more weight (around 10% to 21% of your body weight), but the problem is that once you stop taking them, you tend to regain a lot of that weight. Even if you continue taking them, the weight loss tends to level off after a while.
- Bariatric Surgery: This is where things get really interesting. Bariatric surgery, which includes procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, showed the most significant and long-lasting weight loss. On average, patients lost about 30% of their body weight and kept most of it off for up to 10 years!
Why Surgery Might Be the Right Choice for You
I understand that the idea of surgery can be intimidating. However, it’s essential to consider the benefits that go beyond just weight loss. Bariatric surgery has been shown to dramatically improve health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. For many patients, the health and quality of life improvements far outweigh the risks associated with surgery.
Despite its proven effectiveness, bariatric surgery remains underutilized. Last year, only about 1% of eligible patients underwent these procedures. This low adoption rate is often due to misconceptions, such as the belief that surgery should be a last resort. But in reality, bariatric surgery can be a proactive step towards a healthier, happier life and should be considered much earlier in your weight-loss journey.
FAQ: Understanding Bariatric Surgery and Weight Loss Options
What is bariatric surgery, and how does it work?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, involves procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. These surgeries help you lose weight by changing the way your stomach and digestive system handle food. After surgery, you’ll feel full sooner, eat less, and your body will absorb fewer calories.
How does bariatric surgery compare to diet and exercise?
While diet and exercise are important for overall health, they often result in only modest weight loss, and most people regain the weight within a few years. Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, can lead to much greater and more sustained weight loss. Research shows that patients can lose 30% or more of their body weight and maintain most of that loss for up to 10 years.
What about the new weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro?
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are new medications that can help with weight loss. They’ve shown promising results, with some patients losing 10% to 21% of their body weight. However, these drugs require ongoing use, and once you stop taking them, you may regain some of the weight. Bariatric surgery offers a more permanent solution.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Yes, bariatric surgery is considered very safe. Its safety profile is similar to common surgeries like gallbladder removal or knee replacement. Like any surgery, there are risks, but for many people, the benefits of weight loss and improved health outweigh those risks.
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or if you have a BMI of 35 or higher with related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for you.
Will my insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Many insurance plans do cover bariatric surgery, especially if it is deemed medically necessary due to severe obesity and related health conditions. However, coverage can vary, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider and discuss the details with your surgeon’s office.
What should I expect after bariatric surgery?
After surgery, you’ll need to make significant lifestyle changes, including a special diet and regular exercise, to help ensure long-term success. You’ll also have follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Can I regain weight after bariatric surgery?
While bariatric surgery leads to significant and lasting weight loss, it’s possible to regain some weight if you don’t follow the recommended lifestyle changes. However, most patients maintain a significant portion of their weight loss for many years.
How do I get started if I’m interested in bariatric surgery?
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Woodman. We will evaluate your health, discuss your options, and help you determine if surgery is the right choice for you.
The Bottom Line
While new weight-loss drugs offer some hope, bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable option for those dealing with severe obesity. If you’re struggling with your weight and haven’t found success with other methods, I encourage you to consider bariatric surgery. It’s a big step, but it could be the key to a healthier, happier life.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about whether bariatric surgery is right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you make the best decision for your health.