Weight loss can be a challenging journey for many people, especially those who have struggled with weight issues for a long time. There are fad diets you can try, new workout plans, and any number of other ways to “lose weight fast!” We’re sure you’ve also been overrun by ads for pills, promising huge weight loss over a matter of days. So why choose bariatric surgery over weight loss drugs?
For starters, it’s been proven over and over again that bariatric surgery–along with a healthier diet and regular exercise–is the best way to lose large amounts of excess weight and keep it off. And while we’re not going to say there are no weight loss results with prescription-based and FDA-backed medication, you just won’t get the long-term results you’re looking for.
Why Choose Bariatric Surgery Over Weight Loss Drugs?
Of all the treatment options available to you, studies show that weight loss surgery is more successful than drug treatment options. When choosing between the two, here are a few factors you should consider:
- Sustained Weight Loss
- Health Benefits
- Psychological Considerations
- Safety
- Cost
We would like to reiterate that either option is only as effective as the lifestyle changes you make. Even with weight-loss surgery, you still need to follow a healthy diet plan and regular exercise to reach your short and long-term goals.
Sustained Weight Loss
For individuals struggling with obesity, bariatric surgery may offer a life-changing solution that leads to substantial weight loss, improved health, and enhanced quality of life. Common procedures such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can help patients achieve significant and long-lasting results.
In comparison, weight loss drugs may only lead to modest weight reduction, and the results can be short-term and unpredictable. While these medications may be helpful in certain situations, they are often not a sustainable solution for individuals seeking substantial weight loss.
Additionally, many drugs can only be used for a limited period of time and the weight lost may be regained once they are no longer being taken. Overall, bariatric surgery may be the better choice for those looking to achieve meaningful and lasting weight loss because the procedures and the physical changes will be with you for life.
Health Benefits
Bariatric surgery has become increasingly popular in recent years for its ability to help patients lose weight and significantly improve their health. This surgical technique has been shown to have numerous health benefits, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Weight loss drugs, however, may come with severe side effects and may pose additional health risks to patients. While these drugs may offer some health benefits, they tend to have a more singular focus on weight reduction and may not be as effective in addressing other existing health conditions.
Psychological Considerations
Bariatric surgery isn’t just about shedding pounds – it can also have a considerable impact on a person’s mental health. Numerous individuals who have gone through with the procedure today report a significant boost in their self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life.
Weight loss medications, on the other hand, do not tackle the root psychological causes of obesity. At WeightWise, patients are matched with a specialized patient advocate who serves as both a mentor and a guide. They lend support and encouragement throughout patients’ weight-loss journeys and strive to create a comforting space that can’t be compared to any drugstore product.
Safety
Bariatric procedures are highly regulated procedures and are considered safe for a wide range of people, including teenagers, those in their 60s, and individuals with underlying health issues. In many cases, pre-existing health problems have been cured or the effects greatly reduced after a gastric bypass or duodenal switch.
Weight loss drugs can have serious side effects like increased heart rate or blood pressure, so it’s important to understand the potential risks associated with these weight loss drugs. Additionally, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, certain weight-loss drugs may not be available to you.
Cost
This may seem like a checkmark in the weight-loss medication column–surely a prescription is much cheaper than a bariatric procedure. And over a few months or years, you may be right. However, in order to lose large amounts of weight and keep it off, surgery makes a lot more sense.
Not only do you need to continually take drugs to keep the weight off, but many insurance companies also cover the cost of bariatric surgery. Once you start tallying up the out-of-pocket costs, and the expected weight loss over your lifetime, the cost differential becomes more negligible.
When it comes to losing weight, there are a variety of options available. However, determining which one is the best fit for you can be a personal decision, based on a variety of factors and your weight loss goals. Your personal preferences, medical history, the severity of your obesity (body mass index), and the advice of medical professionals should all be carefully considered.
Bariatric Surgery Benefits
Choosing bariatric surgery over weight loss drugs comes with numerous health benefits, both physical and psychological, and leads to long-term weight loss success. Although the cost may seem high upfront, it is a more cost-effective option in the long run, especially when you consider the long-term effects of bariatric surgery.
These modifications can promote long-term weight management and improve overall well-being. The physical changes resulting from the surgery can help us feel fuller faster and reduce hunger pangs, giving you the best chance to lose excess weight and keep it off alongside a balanced diet and exercise.
While medications may help in the short term with limited body weight loss, bariatric surgery is proven to give you the best chance to lose excess weight for the long haul. If past weight loss attempts have fallen flat, and you’re serious about losing that weight, contact WeightWise today.
We can help you go through the pros and cons of each option and guide you toward the best choice for your health and lifestyle. Watch our free seminar for more information and then give us a call to set up an initial consultation.