GLP-1 vs. Bariatric surgery: Choosing wisely

Thank you! This podcast is exactly what I needed to encourage & motivate me to continue losing weight on Mounjaro instead of getting Bariatric surgery! I’m 62 years old and lost 38 pounds in past 4 months. For me this has been the easiest and most enjoyable way to lose weight and regain my health compared to all the other diets I’ve tried. Everything else I’ve tried (Medifast, Weight Watchers, ReforMedicine - local program and “The Bean Queen” diet - local program) have all helped me lose weight in the past but I’d always GAIN it back!

Now I have hope again! The hope that sees me taking this new class of weight loss med for the rest of my life and REDUCING or ELIMINATING my meds for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. And I’d love to get rid of my CPAP machine when and if my sleep apnea resolves because of weight loss.

I’m doing what they recommend in podcast = “prioritize protein, fiber, hydration, and getting enough nutrients in volume-restricted meals. And exercise is even more important for maintaining results and minimizing bone loss.” And having regular check ups with endocrinologist who closely supervises Mounjaro and weight loss along with my co-morbidities.

The podcast end summary is great = “Yes, your relationship to food will likely change after bariatric surgery or GLP-1.

It’s harder to absorb some nutrients after bariatric surgery, which means you’ll need to take vitamins for the rest of your life. GLP-1s will start to suppress your appetite and your interest in food. You might lose interest in your favorite snack foods, or you may find that they trigger some side effects.

So both types of patients need to prioritize protein, fiber, hydration, and getting enough nutrients in volume-restricted meals. And losing a large amount of weight will mean you lose some bone too, so exercise is even more important for maintaining results and minimizing bone loss.

Regardless of the path you choose, the key to maintenance is to do your research beforehand, avoid old habits and check in with your care team regularly, especially your friendly neighborhood dietitian.”

Good morning. I had Bariatric surgery 20 years ago. The best thing that I ever did. Ive kept over 100 pounds off since then. I also am on OZEMPIC for the past 5 years for Diabetes 11. Ive only lost 10 pounds being on Ozempic. (Which is Ok. I’m at a decent weight). When taking the O for diabetes, your body metabolizes it differently than. Non-Diabetics. The thing that I know for sure, as a Diabetic I’ll always be on Ozempic to control my diabetes for the rest of my life. Non diabetics will also have to take Ozempic (GLP) for the rest of their lives, or the weight will come back ten-fold, unless, you adhere to a strict diet and exercise regime.

Can I get some input on a question I have about weight loss from either option. Why do you think young people who are morbidly obese, suffer physical symptoms from the weight, and have limited mobility, etc, refuse to take any measures to lose weight? I know multiple people like this. Some are in my family. I cannot understand it. I realize there is nothing I can do about it. I just don’t understand it when there are multiple options available. It’s heartbreaking. Most of them are 200-300 pounds overweight.

@celia16 there is too much junk food and lack excercise . Parents might be concerned but their homes are full of junk food. It’s hard when your environment is so full of unhealthy foods. When anyone ( surgery , diets, GLP1) goes back to the same habits they will gain weight. “ Old behaviors old results”

@merrychristmas , these are good points. Thank you,

Most of those young people I know of who are in that situation are over 18, have jobs and make their own decisions, but they do have poor habits with food and do no exercise. They struggle with mobility and it’s likely they will face substantial disability in the not so far future. Their weight prevents them from walking much or even getting up and down from a chair, I just can’t figure out why options like bariatric surgery or GLP1 medications aren’t utilized. They must be suffering physically and mentally.

I see this phenomenon occurring in many places….church, shopping, medical offices, etc. It seems quite prevalent.

If anyone knows of any polls or studies out there about this, please post it. If I had available time, I’d conduct my own research. It certainly deserves attention by the health care industry. There is a lot out there about weight loss options…..it just isn’t resonating with some.

@celia16
Some of us it is partially genetics and food choice and availability I like to state I was fat the day I was born 12lbs 14oz I live in rural Michigan we did not grow up with fast food there is none lol but we were poor and growing up in the 80’s honestly the food that was given out through the government was not nutritious all the time peanut butter better than velveta cheese logs dry milk powdered eggs butter we had vegetables from the garden and canned out food nut grandparents would butcher animals for us to have meat I was over 300 pounds in high school multiple people in my family were over 500 pounds over 10 people my biggest was 426 I worked 50 hours a week as a manager at a store in the Midwest compare to a super Walmart loaded mulch pushing in carts stocking shelves while going to college big wake up death of my sisters 35 and 33. Had the surgery I’m down to 176 I had so many complications I have been on disability since it’s not a cheat route or easy having surgery I’m afraid and recommend despite my horrible experience I recommend to all of my family surgery some have lost weight on ozempic my cousin has lost over 200 still above 500 but he is doing well I just think people who have family history’s of major health problems surgery is my recommendation some of my cousins have gone off wegovy and gained their weight back my 32 year old cousin was 345 did the sleeve in may and has lost over 100 lbs already

@kristien , thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It sounds like you have dealt with this first hand. Do you recall what was the driving force that motivated you? I imagine losing family members would be devastating. What gave you the courage?

I do congratulate you on an incredible accomplishment. Though you have had complications, it sounds like you are in a good place.

@celia16 I was morbidly overweight for 20 years, despite being physically active. I was offered surgery multiple times, but I felt they were operating on the wrong organ. I knew my brain was not helping me, with food messages constantly intruding my life. I was afraid I’d be trapped in a battle between a post-surgery body no longer able to eat much, and my unchanged brain constantly telling me I needed to eat. So I waited, hoping for a better solution for me. Now I have one, GLP meds.

Over the past three years, I was able to lose 150 pounds with diet, exercise, and injectables (Wegovy, now Zepbound). I have 50 pounds to get to my goal. These results are better than typical, because I am even more active, spending 200 minutes a week walking briskly. GLP1s stopped the food noise, no more cravings for unhealthy foods.

Perhaps the people you know have the same food noise problem. GLP meds are expensive, and they may wish they could have access to them. I know I was heartbroken when I watched celebs taking them to lose 30 pounds, and I couldn’t afford them to lose 200 pounds. I don’t think anyone wants to stay overweight. We need compassion for this disease, not judgment. You can do something, offer to help pay for meds.

@sandylakes - your success with the GLP1 medications is encouraging. Will you share how you came to switch GLP1s during your treatment thus far?

@sandylakes

Amen! I agree with what you wrote = “I was offered surgery multiple times, but I felt they were operating on the wrong organ. I knew my brain was not helping me, with food messages constantly intruding my life.”

This has also been my experience. I checked into Bariatric surgery back in 2024 (I was 286 lbs) but I was scared off after reading of the many life long complications.

I’m so glad you waited for a better solution = GLP meds. Congratulations on your weight loss and healthier lifestyle.

I’m thrilled with Mounjaro (top dose of 15 mg started May 2026). No more food noise! I used to overeat carbs and never feel full. Potato chips + potatoes + rice + ice cream + bread + pasta. Apparently anything white!🤣

Now Sept 2026 I’m 233 lbs and still losing 5-8 pounds per month. Plus healthy foods and exercise.

I have my new endocrinologist to thank for switching me from Ozempic (which old endocrinologist had me on for 5 years with no weight loss and A1C still above 7).

I’ve learned from personal experience that if one of these new medications doesn’t work after reaching and staying at top dose, advocate for yourself and ask doctor to recommend another…or find a doctor who will be proactive in treating your disease of obesity.

This is what I’ve learned from researching Obesity as a disease. Specifically an neuro-metabolic disease.

Part of brain which manages energy stores tells body to hold on to more fat than it needs. These new medications recalibrate those signals so body wants to store LESS energy and fat.

When treating obesity it’s a lifelong process which helps prevent other obesity related conditions which can lead to death = cancer and heart attacks.

All that being said, I realize we are all “snowflakes” (unique) so whatever way you choose to lose weight and gain your health, make sure you go into it with all the information. Do your research and be your own advocate OR bring a trusted advocate with you to appointments. 👍😃