If you’ve started your journey with weight loss medication (GLP-1s) and made progress but you’re facing a plateau, side effects or a fear of what to do in the long term, you are not alone.
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Many patients experience a ‘plateau’ after sustained use of weight loss medication or a ‘rebound’ effect after pausing treatment, and lifelong use is a concern for others, but there are alternatives.
At Sea Change, we specialise in offering the more permanent and durable solution of weight loss surgery as a ‘next step’ for suitable patients. Weight loss surgery such as sleeve gastrectomy is generally considered the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. Unlike medication which typically requires lifelong adherence, surgery provides a permanent metabolic and physical change. Here’s a quick summary of the differences:
| Weight Loss Medications (GLP-1s) | Weight Loss Surgery (e.g. sleeve gastrectomy) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Non-surgical, generally via a self-administered subcutaneous (under the skin) injection | Surgical procedure |
| Results | Can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss | Generally the most effective and durable treatment, offering greater sustained weight loss |
| Long-term maintenance | Typically requires ongoing, lifelong use to prevent recurrent weight gain | A more durable intervention that permanently alters the body’s digestive system |
| Cost | Significantly more expensive in the long-term due to typical lifelong use | Most cost-effective in the long-term (and insured patients may be able access coverage for surgery) |
| Using superannuation | Superannuation cannot be accessed to fund weight loss medication | You may be able to access superannuation to fund weight loss surgery |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I regain weight in the gap between stopping my medication and having surgery?
Generally the interval between stopping your medication is so short that there is no significant change. If it is a longer period, our multidisciplinary team will guide you through this transition and help to keep you on track.
How long do I need to stop taking weight loss medications before bariatric surgery?
You can take your weight loss medication up until a week before surgery.
Does previous use of weight loss medication negatively affect my surgery results?
No, a history of taking medical weight loss treatments does not hinder the long-term success of your bariatric surgery. In fact, many patients use medications as a helpful stepping stone to shed initial weight and improve their overall health before transitioning to a more permanent surgical solution. Surgery remains the most durable and effective treatment for severe obesity, regardless of prior medication use. Because they work in different ways, surgery is still very effective in patients who have already taken medication.
Can bariatric surgery help me break through a weight loss medication plateau?
Yes. Metabolic adaptation (where your body stops responding to the injections and your weight loss completely stalls) is a frequent challenge with long-term use of medication. Bariatric procedures, such as a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, physically alter your digestive system and provide a powerful, permanent reset to your metabolic system. This means surgery can offer a highly effective intervention to break through a plateau and achieve further, durable weight loss. Further to this, for patients dissatisfied with their weight loss after medication, surgery is usually still very effective.
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Ready for the Next Step?
We understand you may not be ready to book surgery today, but we can help advise on what options are available and suitable for you. Simply request an initial consultation below and our team will be in touch with you promptly.
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