When it comes time to consider weight loss, two significantly effective treatment options are bariatric surgery and GPL-1s.These are two very different approaches; neither is right for everyone. Consider what these methods are and how they compare.
GLP-1s are a specific classification of medication that has been FDA-approved to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic the naturally produced GLP-1 hormone produced in the body. That hormone is naturally released when you eat and regulates blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. In those who utilize this treatment for weight loss, the medication slows down the digestive process and reduces the feeling of hunger, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Bariatric surgery is a procedure that changes the digestive system, reducing the amount of food a person can consume while also working to control hunger. Several methods exist, but most ultimately limit the calories the body can absorb from food, leading to significant weight loss, as noted by the Mayo Clinic.
Which is better? To determine which may be best for you, speak to a weight loss doctor. You can also use the following information to make an added comparison.
Who is Eligible
Bariatric surgery
Typically, a person who is 100 pounds or more overweight and relatively healthy enough to handle surgery may be approved for bariatric surgery. A person with a BMI of at least 40 may be considered. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, severe co-morbidities could limit their access.
GLP-1s
As a subscription drug, GLP-1s have strict requirements, including limitations from insurance companies. A person must often have a treatable condition, such as type 2 diabetes. Doctors must consider them medically necessary. Depending on health insurance requirements, a person may need specific BMI requirements.
Expected Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery
Ideally, a person could lose 1 to 2 pounds a week using gastric banding procedures, though some experience significantly more than this. Six months post-surgery, people are expected to have lost about 30 to 40% of their excess body weight, usually 25 to 50 pounds. In one year, many people have lost over 100 pounds and reached their ideal weight, according to studies. Renew Bariatrics offers a calculator to estimate your weight loss after bariatric surgery.
GLP-1s
Weight loss depends on numerous factors, including the type of medication used and the dosing. According to research, most people lose between 10 and 16 pounds and up to 34 pounds on average when using these medications.
Side Effects and Complications
Bariatric surgery
Those who have bariatric surgery may have side effects such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Leaking from the site of the procedure
- Diarrhea
- Blood clots
These are risks during and just after the surgery. Side effects after the procedure may include nutrient intake limitations, such as insufficient iron. Some people also develop gallstones due to the rapid weight loss. Data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that follow-up interventions are somewhat familiar within the first five years, with about one-third of patients experiencing some complications.
GLP-1s
The initial onset of use of these medications can create symptoms such as:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Tachycardia
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
In some people, there are adverse effects of taking these medications, especially for some people who may be more sensitive to them. Some people develop complications such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Bowel obstructions
- Gastroparesis
- Biliary disease
- Hyperlipidemia
According to JAMA studies, some of these conditions can be life-threatening if a person does not receive care soon enough.
Costs of Treatments
Bariatric treatment
The cost of bariatric surgery can range widely based on the type of procedure a person has and whether they obtain it. Typically, these costs can range from as low as $10,000 to $33,000 or more. Health insurance may cover some of these costs for those with coverage, but that is typically limitedly available, according to BariatricJournal.com.
GLP-1s
The cost of GLP-1 medication is more complex. Most of the time, a person must continue to take the medication over time to maintain weight loss. Depending on the situation, this may mean a person takes the medication for years. Costs are estimated at $1,000 per month, though the availability of health insurance may reduce that in some cases.
Life After Treatment
Bariatric surgery
A person is not limited to the quality of life they may have after this procedure. While they may maintain limited caloric intake, they are not limited by what foods they eat over time.
GLP-1s
Most people who stop using GLP-1s will regain some of their lost weight. Typically, these medications do not treat the underlying presence of diabetes, which means that no longer using them could lead to health complications from these conditions if they return.
Check with Dr David Nazarian if you are unsure which weight loss option is best for you.
