Combining Ozempic With Bariatric Surgery

Ozempic (semaglutide), a medication initially developed for managing type 2 diabetes, has shown promise in maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery, according to a study presented at the 2022 Obesity Week. Clinical trials revealed that Ozempic led to weight loss among overweight or obese individuals, prompting the creation of a higher-dose treatment specifically for obesity. This resulted in the approval of Wegovy (semaglutide) as a weight-loss drug in 2021.

Ozempic is a once-weekly injection that not only improves blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus but also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as stroke, heart attack, or death, in patients with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. To achieve optimal results, Ozempic should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

A separate study presented at Digestive Diseases Week found that using Ozempic in conjunction with endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy resulted in greater weight loss compared to the surgical procedure alone. However, weight-loss surgery remains a more effective solution than Ozempic. Prior to taking any medication following bariatric surgery, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

Dr. W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSC, an obesity medicine specialist, has praised Ozempic's popularity and success in weight loss as a major breakthrough for individuals with obesity. Despite this, there are concerns that people might become overly dependent on medications like Ozempic and overlook weight-loss surgery as an alternative. Bariatric surgery continues to be the most effective obesity treatment, and patients who have undergone such procedures may find additional benefits in using Ozempic to maintain their weight loss.

The Benefits of using Ozempic After Bariatric Surgery

• Enhanced weight loss: Studies have shown that using Ozempic in combination with endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy resulted in greater weight loss than the procedure alone. After six months, participants who took Ozempic had lost 8.6% of their body weight, compared with 6.8% for Saxenda, another weight loss drug.
• Improved blood sugar levels: Ozempic is a once-weekly injection used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have diabetes in addition to obesity.
• Reduced risk of major cardiovascular events: Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, or death, for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
• Complementary to diet and exercise: Ozempic should be used along with diet and exercise, which are essential components of a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery.

Common Side Effects of Using Ozempic

Common side effects associated with Ozempic (semaglutide) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. Generally, these side effects are mild-to-moderate in nature and tend to resolve within a few weeks for most individuals. Additionally, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is often observed as a side effect when Ozempic is used in combination with specific medications.

Author: Allison Eisenberg Allison is a certified nutritionist and author with over 15 years of experience writing in the health and weight loss industry. She is passionate about helping people achieve their goals through proper nutrition and exercise. As a certified nutritionist, Allison has worked with clients from all walks of life and helped them make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle. In addition to her work as a nutritionist, Allison is also the author of multiple health and wellness blogs, where she shares her expertise and insights on topics such as healthy eating, weight loss, bariatric medicine, and exercise habits. Through her writing, she hopes to inspire and empower others to take control of their health and live their best lives.

Reviewed By: Dr. K. Huffman Kevin D. Huffman, D.O. is a board-certified bariatric physician who has dedicated his career to treating obesity. With over 10,000 patients under his care, he has become a respected authority in the field of bariatric medicine. Dr. Huffman has trained and mentored hundreds of healthcare providers and is widely recognized as a national leader in the field. Dr. Huffman founded American Bariatric Consultants to develop treatment protocols and training materials. He has been sought out by medical societies, pharmaceutical companies, patients, and hospitals for his expertise in the art, science, and business of bariatric medicine. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Huffman prepares physicians for board certification in bariatric medicine, helping to expand access to this vital form of treatment.