{"id":35545,"date":"2024-11-25T07:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T07:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=35545"},"modified":"2025-07-09T23:13:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T23:13:11","slug":"the-benefits-of-using-weight-loss-medications-before-bariatric-surgery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/the-benefits-of-using-weight-loss-medications-before-bariatric-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"The benefits of using weight-loss medications before bariatric surgery","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Bariatric, or weight-loss, surgery is an effective way for people who are eligible for the procedure to achieve a healthy weight. It\u2019s a journey that requires a commitment to lasting lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n

People who need to lose 50 pounds or more will typically be more successful with surgery, or surgery with medications, versus medications\u00a0alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cSurgery has been shown to have greater success in keeping more weight off long term,\u201d says MultiCare bariatric surgeon Benedict Hui, MD. \u201cMedications usually require lifelong use in order to keep the weight off, and the weight will most likely come back once the medications are stopped; whereas surgery is typically a one-time event.\u201d<\/p>\n

You must meet certain requirements prior to bariatric surgery<\/a>, which typically include various tests and blood work, meeting with a psychologist and consulting with a dietitian.<\/p>\n

Reasons for medication use<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some people may also need to lose a certain amount of weight prior to surgery, which has several benefits: It lowers the risk of complications during and after surgery; it allows the surgeon to have better access and visibility to the organs they\u2019re operating on during surgery; and patients may achieve more total weight loss after surgery.<\/p>\n

The most common reasons someone might need to lose weight prior to surgery: if a person\u2019s body mass index (BMI) is more than 50 or if it\u2019s required by health insurance.<\/p>\n

A patient\u2019s surgeon may also set a preoperative weight-loss goal based on the type of surgery.<\/p>\n

\u201cI view the relationship between weight-loss medications and weight-loss surgery similar to the treatment of cancer,\u201d says Dr. Hui. \u201cChemotherapy plays a role in treatment prior to or after surgery for the removal of the cancer. In a similar way, for patients with obesity, weight-loss medications can help enhance the benefits weight-loss surgery can provide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tools and support to help reach weight-loss goals<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For all patients undergoing bariatric surgery, one of the foundations of the MultiCare Center for Weight Loss & Wellness<\/a> is lifestyle support and one-on-one education. This includes ongoing consultations with a dietitian who provides the tools and support to help you lose weight prior to surgery.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re required to lose weight prior to surgery but unable to do so, your surgeon will refer you to one of MultiCare\u2019s bariatricians, or medical weight loss specialists, who can help you reach your weight-loss goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor those who are having difficulty making progress with losing preoperative weight, we can offer medication options,\u201d says MultiCare medical weight loss specialist Carrie Wong, MD<\/a>.<\/u><\/p>\n

People who need to lose 50 pounds or more will typically be more successful with surgery, or surgery with medications, versus medications alone.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Medical weight loss specialists like Dr. Wong will review types of medications available and which would be best for your particular situation.<\/p>\n

Types of weight-loss medications<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Medications that may be used to help with weight loss<\/a> prior to bariatric surgery include GLP-1s and appetite suppressants.<\/p>\n

GLP-1s are medications that mimic a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that increases insulin production following a meal. This release of insulin helps improve glucose control. These medications make a person feel full by slowing gut motility, and lower appetite through receptors in the brain.<\/p>\n

Appetite suppressants commonly used include phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), which is a stimulant, and naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave). These are more affordable alternatives to GLP-1s.<\/p>\n

Selection is not only based on how effective a medication is \u2014 it\u2019s determined by your health history, how you might tolerate the medication, and if it\u2019s covered by insurance, among other factors. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to work with a doctor or other health care provider who specializes in managing these types of medications. These providers discuss the following with their patients:<\/p>\n