Medications
vs
Surgery
Which is best for me?
This is not a straightforward question, and individual circumstances need to be considered.
Obesity treatments can be used in isolation or together. Your treatment decision should not be A vs B.
Many patients who have trialled medications then go onto bariatric surgery and many patients who have had bariatric surgery also start anti-obesity medications too. Many of our patients with successful weight loss have employed both methods of weight loss. What is important is to know that there are many effective treatment options available, and we should never give up on the treatment of obesity.
Medications
Strengths
Multiple options that can be tailored to your needs and any concurrent medical issues you may have.
Does not require surgery.
No associated surgical complications.
Reversible side-effects that will disappear once treatment has stopped.
Future exciting medication options on the horizon.
Limitations
Can be more costly compared to private surgery. Obesity medications need to be lifelong to have its continued effect. Once anti-obesity medications have been stopped, patients are expected to gain weight again. The speed of weight re-gain is dependent on several factors.
The current available medications, especially in New Zealand usually averages 8-10% weight loss from starting weight. Bariatric surgery usually can achieve 30-40% weight loss. For a gastric bypass procedure, patients can be expected to lose up to 70% of their excess weight.
Surgery
Strengths
Weight loss is superior to current medications available.
Can combine surgery and medication to get better long term results
There are different surgical options available that can be tailored to meet your needs.
Is a cost-effective method of treatment
Highly effective at treating serious medical comorbidities such as obstructive sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, musculoskeletal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, and improving fertility in women
Limitations
Need to take lifelong multivitamins
Surgical risks/complications.
Sometimes surgical revision is required
