Medical Weight Loss vs. Surgical Weight Loss: The Battle for Long-Term Success

In the ever-evolving world of weight management, individuals seeking to shed those extra pounds are presented with various options, ranging from diet and exercise to medical interventions and surgical procedures. While both medical weight loss and surgical weight loss have their merits, the long-term results can differ significantly. In this blog, we will explore the key differences between medical weight loss and surgical weight loss, with a focus on the long-term results. We’ll also delve into situations where medical weight loss may be advised, providing valuable insights for individuals seeking effective weight management strategies.

The Promise of Medical Weight Loss

Medical weight loss programs are designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance for individuals seeking to shed excess pounds. At Northwest Weight and Wellness Center, our 12-week medical weight loss program provides patients with multi-disciplinary support that includes nutrition and exercise planning, counseling and education. Through this program, patients also have access to weight loss prescriptions in a medically-supervised environment. Our program is a convenient and accessible entry point for those who want to embark on their weight loss journey in a non-surgical manner.

Short-Term Success of Medical Weight Loss

One of the strengths of medical weight loss is the potential for rapid initial results. Patients often experience significant weight loss in the early stages of the program, which can boost motivation and self-confidence. This approach can be particularly suitable for individuals with less severe obesity or those seeking to prepare for surgery by reducing their initial weight.

The Downside of Medical Weight Loss

While medical weight loss programs can yield impressive short-term results, patients may face challenges when it comes to long-term success. After completing the program, some patients may struggle with maintaining their weight loss due to factors like changes in metabolism, plateaus, and the potential for weight regain. A recent review of medical literature found that most patients who use weight loss medications hit a plateau at about 17-18 months and stop losing x Trusted Source (2024) , & Kurian, M Go to Source weight. Additionally, it is common for patients to regain all of the weight they lost within one year of stopping their weight loss x Trusted Source Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group Go to Source medication. It’s essential to recognize that medical weight loss is most effective when it’s part of a sustained lifestyle change.

Surgical Weight Loss: A Lasting Solution

Weight loss surgery procedures, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, offer a powerful and enduring solution for individuals struggling with obesity. Compared to weight loss medications, which can help patients lose up to 22.5% of their excess body weight, weight loss surgery can lead to roughly 30% weight loss after one x Trusted Source (2024) , & Kurian, M Go to Source year. These also often lead to long-term success, with up to 60% of patients maintaining their lower weight a decade after their x Trusted Source Effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Kang JH, Le QA Go to Source surgery. Surgical weight loss is especially recommended for those with severe obesity and those who haven’t found success with other methods.

The Science Behind Surgical Weight Loss

Surgical weight loss procedures work by altering the anatomy of the digestive system, leading to reduced appetite and changes in gut hormones. These physiological changes play a crucial role in the success of surgical weight loss, making it a powerful tool for long-term weight management.

Lifestyle Changes After Surgery

After undergoing weight loss surgery, patients are required to make significant lifestyle changes to support their success. This includes adopting a new dietary regimen, engaging in regular exercise, and attending follow-up appointments with our experienced medical team. These changes are essential for achieving and maintaining lasting results.

Situations Where Medical Weight Loss Is Advised

Medical weight loss programs can be highly beneficial in several situations. They are often recommended for individuals who:

• Have a BMI (Body Mass Index) on the lower end of the obesity spectrum.
• Need to lose weight before undergoing surgical weight loss procedures.
• Prefer a non-surgical approach to weight management.
• Seek guidance and support to kickstart their weight loss journey.

Medical Weight Loss vs Surgery: Which is Right for You?

At Northwest Weight and Wellness Center, we understand that the choice between medical weight loss and surgical weight loss is a significant decision. The key to success lies in selecting the approach that aligns with your unique circumstances and goals. While surgical weight loss offers substantial and lasting results for individuals with severe obesity, medical weight loss can be the right choice for those who need a non-surgical starting point or a supportive path to surgery.

Ultimately, the decision should be made in consultation with our expert medical team, who will assess your individual needs and guide you toward the most suitable approach. Whether you choose the path of medical weight loss or surgical weight loss, our mission remains the same: helping you achieve a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life through effective and sustainable weight management. To learn more about your options, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Sources:

¹ Jenkins, M.E., Hafermann, J., Fielding, C., Prager, G., & Kurian, M. (2024). Effectiveness and Durability of Common Weight Loss Methods. Poster presented at the ASMBS 2024 Annual Meeting. Available: https://asmbsmeeting.com/abstract/effectiveness-and-durability-of-common-weight-loss-methods/. Accessed June 24, 2024.

² Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Kandler K, Konakli K, Lingvay I, McGowan BM, Oral TK, Rosenstock J, Wadden TA, Wharton S, Yokote K, Kushner RF; STEP 1 Study Group. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022 Aug;24(8):1553-1564. doi: 10.1111/dom.14725. Epub 2022 May 19. PMID: 35441470; PMCID: PMC9542252. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35441470/. Accessed November 15, 2023.

³ Jenkins, M.E., Hafermann, J., Fielding, C., Prager, G., & Kurian, M. (2024). Effectiveness and Durability of Common Weight Loss Methods. Poster presented at the ASMBS 2024 Annual Meeting. Available: https://asmbsmeeting.com/abstract/effectiveness-and-durability-of-common-weight-loss-methods/. Accessed June 24, 2024.

⁴ Kang JH, Le QA. Effectiveness of bariatric surgical procedures: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Nov;96(46):e8632. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000008632. PMID: 29145284; PMCID: PMC5704829. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145284/. Accessed November 15, 2023.