Weight Loss Is a Common Struggle, But You Can Do It With the Right Help

Are weight-loss medications a better option than surgery?

How much weight do you want to lose? Surgery has a better weight-loss profile and is better for keeping weight off long-term. Recent medications have improved and are providing patients with more options and better results, but surgery is still the superior option. To discuss options, please schedule an appointment at WeightLossSurgeon.com.

Results-wise, what is the difference between weight-loss medications and surgery?

Surgery will help you lose 60 to 90% of your excess body weight. Medication will lose you 20% of your total body weight. Another consideration is that people tend to think they only need to take medication until they reach their target weight, and then they are shocked when they gain the weight back. For those who do not wish to take a drug for the rest of their life, surgery gives you a better chance of losing weight and keeping it off.

The thought of surgery is scary. Should it be?

It shouldn’t be, but it always will be because we fear the unknown. Surgeons do this every day, and we know for a fact that the outcomes are good. I always talk about it in the sense that when you’re in an airplane, the pilot can talk until they are blue in the face that turbulence is just air flowing around the plane, and there’s nothing wrong. But once you hit turbulence, you still worry. Surgery will always be scary, but the reality is that you don’t need to be afraid.

What’s your approach to patient care, and how do you decide on which weight-loss option?

My approach is compassionate and non-judgmental. Unfortunately, people have been judged so much that I must disarm them. It’s just like dealing with high blood pressure or another chronic medical condition. Secondly, the ideas I discuss are things science and other professionals have looked at and come to sound conclusions that have been vetted. If your BMI is less than 26, diet and exercise are appropriate. If your BMI is over 27 and you have medical conditions, medications are appropriate. If your BMI is over 30, medications are still appropriate, or surgery if you have medical conditions. If your BMI is over 35, surgery is appropriate. If it’s over 40, medications aren’t appropriate. If it’s over 50, you need the most aggressive next step we can do.

What do you say to those currently struggling with obesity/weight loss?

There is hope and solutions. Secondly, you will never completely cure weight loss. You have to manage it, and how you manage it over time will change. That could include diet, medications, or surgery. But don’t be discouraged because there is hope and tools to help you live longer and well. The data says the higher your BMI is, the shorter your life expectancy and quality of life will be. Don’t rob yourself of a good quality of life by ignoring your BMI.