Weight loss can be an arduous and frustrating journey, and for those who struggle with it, surgical options can be an enticing solution. Among these are weight loss medications, which are used as a complement to diet and exercise. However, like any medication, these can have side effects that can be alarming and uncomfortable.
Real Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications, and How We Can Help
The side effects of weight loss medications vary depending on the medication and the individual taking it. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, and headaches. These side effects can be mild to severe, and they can interfere with a patient’s quality of life. Serious risks listed on GLP-1 medication labels include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease, and risks differ from drug to drug. Boxed warning: semaglutide and tirzepatide cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, and whether they do in humans is unknown. They are contraindicated with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Some patients also consider surgical options such as gastric lap band surgery, which has its own risks. The lap band procedure involves the placement of a silicone band around the top portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch that limits the amount of food the patient can consume at one time. This helps patients feel full sooner and stay full longer, leading to weight loss over time. In the U.S. band trial reviewed by the FDA, 89% of subjects reported at least one adverse event, 34% were reported as severe, and within 3 years 9% needed surgical revision and 16% had the device removed.
One of the reasons some patients consider lap band surgery is that it can support long-term weight loss. GLP-1 medications work while they are taken. The FDA calls the band a long-term implant, not a permanent solution, and says removal or replacement surgery may be needed at any time. The lap band is adjustable, allowing the surgeon to control the amount of food that passes through the stomach. Patients will need to follow a strict diet and exercise plan to achieve the best results.
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Options for Patients Who Can't Take Weight Loss Medication
Whether a medication fits depends on the drug and the patient. Wegovy is labeled to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with established cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight and to treat a liver disease called MASH, Ozempic is labeled for type 2 diabetes, and the band's FDA labeling lists severe cardiopulmonary disease as a contraindication. Weight loss may help weight-related conditions, and your doctor can review which treatment suits you.
Weight loss medication is not a quick fix, and side effects can be significant for some patients. Medication and surgery each have benefits and risks, and neither is right for everyone.
Our Surgeons Help Guide Your Weight Loss Decisions
Our team will work with you to create a customized and comprehensive treatment plan that can help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health. Contact us today to learn more.
Visit Dr. Davtyan in Los Angeles
Visit Dr. Davtyan in Los Angeles to discuss whether bariatric surgery, Ozempic, or another weight-loss approach may be appropriate for your health goals. Consultations focus on medical history, weight-loss challenges, treatment expectations, and long-term sustainability rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Dr. Davtyan and his team provide evaluations for patients considering gastric sleeve surgery, Lap-Band surgery, and medical weight-loss options. The goal is to help patients better understand the risks, benefits, costs, and long-term considerations of each treatment path before making a decision.
