Let's Talk About Weight Loss Surgery
In the past, obesity was rare, but things have changed over the years. For some people, diet and exercise alone aren't enough, especially for those who are extremely overweight. In the 1950s, doctors began performing weight loss surgeries, but these early procedures required large cuts in the skin. Then, in 1994, Dr. Alan Wittgrove, made a breakthrough by performing weight loss surgery with small, less-invasive cuts (1). This was a game changer, and today, over 250,000 weight loss surgeries are done each year in the United States.
Many people are nervous about having surgery to help them lose weight, but modern weight loss surgeries are safer and more effective than ever—almost as safe as having your gallbladder removed (2). But the big question is: Do you need surgery if there are strong medications that can help you lose weight?
The answer depends on your level of obesity and any other health problems caused by your weight. For people who need to lose less than 50 pounds or have a BMI under 35, medications might help them reach a healthier weight. However, when your BMI goes over 40, 50, or even 60, the chances of reaching a healthy BMI with just diet, exercise, and medication are pretty slim (3). While some people do lose over 100 pounds without surgery, it's rare, and unfortunately, many gain the weight back (4). For those who need to lose a lot of weight, a combination of medication and surgery can be the most effective approach. You can start with medication before surgery to lose some weight, which can lower your risk of complications during the operation. On the flip side, if you've had surgery but stopped losing weight or started gaining it back, medication might help you get back on track.
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to weight loss. The best approach is to keep an open mind, do your research, and focus on long-term health goals. Remember, this is a big decision that should be made with your doctor.
Medical Weight Loss Done Right!
Dr. Leon Katz
Sources:
1. Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Roux-en-Y: Preliminary Report of Five Cases. Wittgrove et al. Obesity: 01, Volume 4, pages 353–357, (November 1994)
2. Bariatric surgery is as safe as other common operations: an analysis of the ACS-NSQIP. Benjamin Clapp, MD, FACS et al. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. Volume 20, Issue 6, June 2024, Pages 515-525
3. Probability of an Obese Person Attaining Normal Body Weight: Cohort Study Using Electronic Health Records. Alison Fildes PhD et al. Am J Public Health. 2015; 105(9)
https://bit.ly/4dSkWCC
4. Maintenance of Lost Weight and Long-Term Management of Obesity. Kevin D. Hall, Ph.D.1 et al. Med Clin North Am. 2018 Jan; 102(1): 183–197. https://bit.ly/3yAY9fD
This article is for information only. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your health routine.
Written by Dr. Katz, improved with AI.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this blog is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog or on this website.
