Surgical Weight Loss: Is It for You?

Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S., but the right approach to weight management can reduce your risk of developing serious medical complications, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Bariatric surgery is one of many options to help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. In this post, you’ll learn more about bariatric surgery, who it’s right for and what to expect before, during and after a weight loss surgery procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?

Bariatric surgery can be a viable option for some people who need support beyond diet and exercise to achieve a healthy weight. However, surgical interventions aren’t ideal for everyone.

“Bariatric surgery is a permanent lifestyle commitment for patients with high body weight who are ready to make a change,” said Chi Zhang, MD, Broward Health Imperial Point’s Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery. “They must be willing to follow medical advice and make changes to their diet and exercise habits.”

In addition to committing to lifestyle changes, potential candidates for bariatric surgery must meet other eligibility requirements. “Currently, the criteria to be eligible for bariatric surgery include a body mass index of at least 30 with a health-related issue, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnea,” said Dr. Zhang.

Are GLP-1s an Alternative to Weight Loss Surgery?

GLP-1 agonists are a relatively new class of injectable medications for diabetes that can also help people lose weight. They work by stimulating the hormonal changes that occur naturally following bariatric surgery.

Drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) can be an alternative to bariatric surgery for select patients, but there are limits to their usage and important factors to consider when deciding between weight loss medication and surgery.

According to Dr. Zhang, “GLP-1s are only 25% to 30% as effective at achieving weight loss compared with surgery. Patients must take a maintenance dose of the medications to prevent regaining weight.”

Healthcare providers typically recommend GLP-1s for patients whose weight loss goal is to lose around 10 to 20% of their current body weight. Following a diet and exercise program while taking the drug and during the maintenance phase is necessary for the medications to deliver desired results.

Dr. Zhang advises, “Patients will have better and more long-lasting results with surgery. You should always consider how each treatment option fits into your daily life.”

What to Expect with Bariatric Surgery

With or without bariatric surgery, weight loss is a journey, and every person has their own unique experiences throughout the process of reaching a healthy weight. If you’re a candidate for bariatric surgery, you’ll go through an examination, a preparation process, the procedure itself, and an after-care period.

Preparing for Surgery

Before undergoing weight loss surgery, patients at Broward Health consult a multidisciplinary team of physicians and undergo examinations, diagnostic tests and lab tests. If the bariatric surgery team gives the green light, you’ll receive a preparation plan that usually involves making lifestyle and dietary changes prior to the procedure.

“Our team will support you every step of the way by providing a personalized checklist of requirements from our program and your insurance provider. We have a comprehensive program that includes a nutritionist, program coordinator and support groups to help guide you through the process,” reports Dr. Zhang.

The Procedure

There are a variety of bariatric procedures available for weight loss surgery patients, but the most common one performed is the gastric sleeve. Dr. Zhang explains that the procedure “involves removing 80% of the stomach and reshaping the stomach into a small sac. Importantly for patients, this surgery only involves removing part of the stomach and doesn’t alter the digestive system.”

Although gastric sleeve surgery helps patients lose a lot of weight and lowers the risk for numerous health conditions, there are risks.

“The gastric sleeve may increase the risk of acid reflux. Some patients can have nutrient deficiencies after surgery,” cautions Dr. Zhang. “Attending lifelong follow-up appointments and taking vitamins and supplements can prevent this complication.”

Moving Forward

After an initial recovery period, you’ll modify your dietary habits, typically eating small portions throughout the day and slowly beginning with an exercise program.

You’ll continue to receive assistance from the Broward Health team following surgery to support their success. “Our program provides nutritional coaching, and we have a certified bariatric nurse to answer patients’ questions,” says Dr. Zhang. “We also host monthly support groups to educate patients about bariatric-specific topics. Our patients receive long-term follow-up care to ensure they are healthy and maintaining weight loss,”

How Effective Is Bariatric Surgery?

With bariatric surgery, patients can lose up to 60% to 75% of their excess body weight, according to Dr. Zhang. In addition, patients with type 2 diabetes may see up to 90% improvement in blood sugar management, and some even go into remission after weight loss.

The significant weight loss possible with bariatric surgery goes beyond physical health as well. “Our patients report better mobility, self-esteem and overall well-being,” says Dr. Zhang.

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery