Bariatric Surgery Is Effective Obesity Treatment: Now for Even More People.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that can have far-reaching effects on a person’s health. It can increase the risk of other serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bone and joint problems, breathing issues, and some cancers. 

The good news is, there are several research-backed treatments that can help patients improve their health. For some, new medications such as GLP-1 RA drugs including Saxenda and Wegovy are an effective option. 

For decades, research has shown that bariatric surgery provides the greatest weight loss and best long-term health benefits. Many studies have shown that bariatric surgery is as safe or safer than common surgeries such as appendectomy or knee replacement. Now, more insurance policies than even cover this procedure for more people than before.

Research also finds that bariatric surgery is the most effective way to treat obesity and to help improve or resolve related disease. Studies show patients lose as much as 60% of their excess weight in the six months after surgery, and five years later they maintain 50% of their weight loss. And research demonstrates that bariatric surgery could reduce an individual’s risk of premature death by as much as 50%.  

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s 2022 guidelines mean more insurances plans, including MedStar Family Choice, are covering bariatric surgery for patients at lower weights. 

In the past, bariatric surgery was recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI, a calculation to estimate body fat using height and weight) of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with a related condition, such as diabetes. The new guidelines recommend surgery for people with a BMI over 35, or over 30 with comorbidities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about 20 million adults have a BMI over 40, and about 136 million have a BMI over 30. 

That means millions more people could be covered for bariatric surgery, which could significantly improve their health. Today, only about 1% of people who qualify for bariatric surgery get it. Now that effective therapies for obesity are becoming more accessible, more eligible patients and their providers can work together to understand the benefits.

All types of bariatric surgery get results.

There are several types of bariatric surgery, each of which have pros and cons for each individual patient. These include:

• Lap-Band System™: During this surgery, an adjustable band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to make it smaller.

• Sleeve gastrectomy: In this procedure, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller tube.

• Gastric bypass: Surgeons create a small stomach pouch that is connected directly to the intestine.

We’ve learned a lot about bariatric surgery since it began in the 1990s. Gone are the days when patients were required to lose weight before surgery. The timing needed to prepare for surgery has gone down from 6 months to three months for many insurance plans. Today, we work together with patients to prepare for their procedure, including education about nutrition.

Working closely with dietitians, our patients learn about how their eating patterns will change after surgery, how to understand nutritional labels on packaging, and how they can make healthy food choices that fit within their budget.

With more information about nutrition and expanded insurance coverage, more people have an opportunity to make a healthy choice. For some, medication options offer an alternative.

Related reading: 5 Reasons to Consider Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery.

Medication options for weight loss.

The decision about how to treat obesity is an individual one, and newer medications such as GLP-1 RA marketed as Saxenda, Wegovy, and others are an important option to consider.

These medications are given through a daily injection, and work to control blood sugar, digestion, and appetite by stimulating the body to release insulin and suppress glucagon, both hormones that control blood sugar. 

For patients whose goal is to lose around 10% of their total body weight, these drugs can help avoid surgery. Patients with severe obesity working to lose 20%-30% of their body weight may find better results from surgery. 

Cost can be a consideration when it comes to obesity medications, too. Currently, coverage for these drugs varies. They’re more likely to be covered for patients who are taking them for diabetes than for weight loss alone. Plus, these medications are designed to be taken for many months or years, and those costs can add up.

Whatever route you choose, talking with your doctor about treatment for obesity can add years to your life, and improve the quality of those years, too.

Related reading: More Than a Number: Bariatric Surgery, GLP-1 Medications and Tools to Treat Obesity.

When to seek treatment for obesity.

If your BMI is 35 or higher, or if it’s 30 or higher and you have an obesity-related condition, talk with your doctor about your options for treatment. 

A referral to bariatric surgery counseling doesn’t mean you’re going to have the procedure. It means we’ll work with you to discuss your goals for treatment. We’ll help you manage fear that comes with making a major change in your life, and we’ll discuss whether surgery or medication might be the best way to achieve your health goals.

We’ll even help you get in touch with your insurance to find out if your policy covers bariatric surgery. 

Decades of research are clear: obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle choice. Treatment is available to help you achieve a healthier weight, get more active, and enjoy better health. Ask your doctor for a referral to a bariatric surgery specialist so you can make an informed decision.