Bariatric surgery has been a common option for individuals seeking weight loss, and with the rise of weight loss injections, like Ozempic, there can be a variety of questions. Many individuals who are facing obesity may look to surgical options to manage and support weight loss. However, there has been an increase in popularity of a more minimally invasive approach to weight loss with the rise of weight loss injections. Ozempic is one popular option for individuals seeking weight loss, and has a fairly high success rate, as does bariatric surgery.
Whether you have undergone bariatric surgery, considering it, or wondering how Ozempic plays into the conversation, there are a few things to note regarding the two. Let’s unpack some common questions of the relationship between bariatric surgery and ozempic, and its impact on weight loss.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a procedure on the stomach or intestine to create weight loss that has been around for a few decades. This is performed laparoscopically to help promote faster healing and less pain. If a patient has specific conditions prior to a bariatric surgery, like scars from previous surgeries, that may require them to undergo open surgery. A skilled provider and surgeon will be able to evaluate you and your needs to ensure you receive the top care for a bariatric surgery.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Bariatric Surgery?
The ideal candidate for bariatric surgery is for an individual who has a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or higher. For some individuals they may not have a higher than 40 BMI, but they do have a health related problem, such as diabetes, that makes them a good candidate for bariatric surgery.
What Does Bariatric Surgery Help Treat?
This form of surgery can help individuals with more than just induce weight loss. Bariatric surgery can also help to treat patients facing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart or kidney disease in relation to obesity. You and your medical provider will be able to assess if a bariatric surgery is the right step in beginning your weight loss journey and improving your overall health.
Can Ozempic Be Taken Before or After Bariatric Surgery?
With an increase in popularity of the weight loss drug, Ozempic, a common question patients have is if there is any benefit to taking Ozempic before or after their surgery. While the answer for this may be more nuanced, as each patient is different, there are some studies that suggest Ozempic can be an additional aid in the weight loss process.
Before Bariatric Surgery
For some patients who are looking to lose more weight prior to their surgery, some providers may suggest a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drug, like Ozempic, prior to surgery. If a doctor believes it is best for a patient to take a drug like Ozempic prior to their surgery, this can help to decrease the chances of any complications from surgery!
After Bariatric Surgery
With bariatric surgery, weight regain is a common thing for many patients to experience. To help combat weight regain, and perhaps prevent it, medical providers may prescribe Ozempic to continue a patient’s weight loss journey.
In 2022, researchers found a group of bariatric surgery participants had successfully lost additional weight after their surgery while taking Ozempic.
If weight regain after bariatric surgery is a concern for you, then consider talking to your doctor about including a GLP-1 drug post-procedure. This can aid in helping you reach your weight and heal goals, while preventing unwanted weight gain.
Ozempic and Gastric Dumping
After bariatric surgery patients may experience what is called “gastric dumping.” This is when food goes directly from your stomach into the small intestine without being properly digested. This can occur anywhere from 10 minutes to 3 hours after eating. However, Ozempic may help to delay these conditions in post-bariatric surgery patients.
What Are Weight Loss Injections?
You may be wondering what exactly weight loss injections are, and how they work. The drugs listed below are common GLP-1 drugs to help patients lose weight; however, they are each marketed for different health concerns for the patient. Some popular weight loss drugs, and what they directly help with, include:
- Ozempic: Helps to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy: Helps to manage obesity in adults with health related issues.
- Mounjaro: Helps to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Contrave: Helps to manage the part of the brain that controls food and energy intake.
- Qsymia: Helps patients with high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol lose weight.
Each of the listed drugs work uniquely to each patient based on their medical history and current health condition. At Nashville Bariatrics we offer each of these FDA-approved weight loss drugs to help you further reach your weight loss goals.
How Weight Loss Injections, or GLP-1 Drugs, Work
The science behind GLP-1 drugs is rather simple. These drugs help patients to lose weight by curbing hunger through slowing down the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. Since you will feel fuller sooner, this will help with eating less.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Since then, Ozempic has had a fairly decent success rate in patients, and has become more accessible to many. With its success in weight loss treatment, many have looked to it as a tool in their weight loss journey to obtain a healthy BMI and weight.
Does Ozempic Have Any Side Effects or Complications?
With any drug, it is crucial to be aware of potential side effects or complications. Ozempic does have potential risks when patients are on this drug. While these complications are not common in everyone, they are important to understand. These potential risks include:
Gastrointestinal Issues
One of the more common issues with Ozempic is GI related. Many patients have experienced:
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
For these side effects, your doctor may help you manage them by avoiding certain foods, increasing water intake, and taking Ozempic with food. Additionally, these types of side effects were more common in the patients who were taking Ozempic without diabetes, but facing obesity. It is important to note that these side effects can go away over time, but always talk to your doctor if they disturb everyday activities.
Stomach Paralysis
While rare, the stomach can develop contractions which become weak wherein the stomach is unable to process into the intestines. This can lead to the food sitting in your stomach for too long, creating stomach pain. Some common signs of stomach paralysis include:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Acid Reflux
- Vomiting
Again, if these symptoms do arise it is crucial to share them with your doctor.
Pancreatitis
Individuals who have a history of pancreatitis may be more prone to pancreatitis with Ozempic. Your doctor may be able to provide you with better options that will not risk pancreatitis.
Thyroid Cancer
A study on mice with Ozempic found both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors. While it is not proven if Ozempic raises these types of tumors in humans, it is important to share with your doctor any family history of thyroid issues. If you continue with Ozempic, tell your doctor if you experience the following:
- Lump in your neck
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Hoarseness
Allergic Reactions
With Ozempic some patients may experience an allergic reaction at the injection site. However, some may experience angioedema where swelling occurs in the face, hands, lips, and other locations on the body. These reactions will most likely happen immediately following an injection. If you have a history of angioedema you will want to provide this history with your provider to make the best decision for you.
Additional Side Effects From Ozempic
Each person will most likely respond to Ozempic differently, meaning some may or may have as severe reactions. Yet, additional side effects can include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Blurry Vision
- Bowel Obstruction
- Hair loss
- Kidney issues (especially with history of kidney problems)
- Fatigue
- Headaches
Ultimaley, the decision to either take or not take Ozempic—and the likes of other GLP-1 drugs—before or after bariatric surgery is entirely up to your discretion. Either way, it is advised you be treated under the supervision of a skilled and knowledgeable doctor. They will be able to understand in greater detail your medical history and current condition to ensure if you are an ideal candidate for GLP-1 drugs or not.
Who is Not an Ideal Candidate for Weight Loss Injections?
GLP-1 drugs are best suited for patients who are facing obesity or dealing with type 2 diabetes. Some individuals may not be considered obese due their BMI, yet have other health related issues that may make them a candidate for a weight loss injection.
However, weight loss injections are not for patients who are pregnant or nursing. Consult your doctor to see whether or not you are a good candidate for weight loss injections.
Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Injections
When making a decision it can be helpful for people to write out the pros and cons. With weight loss injections there are a few pros and cons to consider, and weigh out, before you make your decision.
Some pros with weight loss injections include:
- Helps manage food intake
- Helps to balance blood sugar
- Supports metabolic health
- Helps to reduce binge eating
Some cons with weight loss injections include:
- “Ozempic face” where the face loses weight, and may have a sunken or gaunt appearance
- May interfere with certain birth controls
- May experience weight gain after stopping
Managing Weight Post Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Injections
After bariatric surgery and/or weight loss injections you can still continue to keep the weight off through natural ways. Some of the ways to ensure you are keeping a healthy and active lifestyle is through:
- Increasing your diet with more whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and quality protein
- Eliminating processed foods and sugars
- Adding more exercise to your routine, either solo or in group activities
- Connect with a nutritionist for accountability or further guidance
- Eating the recommended portions according to the type of surgery you had
Weight Loss Injections at Nashville Bariatrics
If you’re curious about bariatric surgery, and to know if it is the right option for you, then connect with us online to learn more. From there you can request a consultation while reading patient testimonies and learning more about our providers at Nashville Bariatrics.
Maybe you have already undergone bariatric surgery, and you’re looking to lose additional weight, then weight loss injections may be the solution for you! At Nashville Bariatrics we offer a variety of GLP-1 drugs, and would be glad to go over the options with you based on your current condition and previous history. You can also request a consultation for weight loss injections online!
Whichever part of the weight loss journey you’re on, we would be honored to come alongside you. This process can feel overwhelming at times, and our goal at Nashville Bariatrics is to remove any confusion and provide you with full clarity as to what your options are. We look forward to hearing from you.