In an era where the conversation around weight loss is often dominated by the latest injectable medications, many might wonder if the more established tools, like bariatric surgery, still hold a place. The resounding answer from medical experts is a definitive yes, and often, the most powerful transformations emerge when these innovative approaches are understood and utilized in harmony. Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in fighting obesity, recognizing it as a complex disease that demands a multi-faceted arsenal of treatments.
Weight loss expert Fred Pescatore, MD, author of The A List Diet, articulates this evolving landscape clearly, stating, “we now have two successful ways to combat obesity—GLP-1 agonist drugs (like Ozempic) and bariatric surgery.” This isn’t a competition but rather an expansion of effective options. Shauna Levy, MD, director of bariatric surgery at Tulane University, reinforces the enduring power of surgery: “Bariatric surgery has evolved so much over the years—it is still the most powerful tool we have to treat obesity.” This dual approach means more people can find a path that genuinely works for them, offering hope and real change.
Despite the buzz around medications, bariatric surgery remains a significant and life-changing intervention. Globally, nearly 600,000 individuals undergo some form of weight loss surgery each year. For perspective, a recent Gallup poll indicates about 7.75 million adults in the U.S. are currently using injectable weight-loss drugs. These numbers highlight that both avenues are vital and widely embraced. Crucially, studies affirm that surgery can be lifesaving, potentially lowering a person’s risk of premature death by up to 50 percent, a testament to its profound impact on long-term health.
Dr. Levy acknowledges that much confusion still clouds public perception regarding weight-loss surgery. Let’s peel back the layers of misconception and illuminate the facts, offering clarity to those considering this powerful option.
One pervasive myth is that surgery is an extreme and inherently scary option. Dr. Levy debunks this by explaining, “Patients don’t realize how quick bariatric surgery is. It is safer than having your gallbladder out, and it is performed using very small incisions.” This insight reframes the procedure as a common, relatively swift, and minimally invasive intervention, far from the daunting image many hold.
Another frequent concern revolves around cost. Many assume bariatric surgery is prohibitively expensive, an option only for the wealthy. The reality, as Dr. Levy points out, is often quite different: “Bariatric surgery is often covered by insurance, while weight-loss medications are often not, unless they are prescribed for diabetes.” This crucial financial detail makes surgery a more accessible option for a broader segment of the population, lifting a significant barrier to care.
The idea that surgery is exclusively for those needing to lose 100+ pounds is also a common misbelief. Dr. Levy clarifies this, stating, “Patients who want to lose more than 15 percent to 20 percent of their total body weight can benefit from bariatric surgery.” This expands the scope of who can benefit, making it a viable choice for individuals who may not be at extreme weights but are still seeking substantial, sustained weight loss, particularly those who find the thought of weekly injections or side effects like muscle loss associated with drugs unappealing.
Finally, the myth that injectable medications deliver the same results as surgery is one that warrants a closer look at the facts. When we delve into the comparative effectiveness of bariatric surgery versus Ozempic, surgery often has a distinct advantage in terms of total weight loss. Full gastric bypass, for instance, can lead to more significant weight reduction than medications. Studies show that Ozempic patients typically lose an average of 15 percent of their total body weight, while Zepbound patients average 20 percent. In contrast, bariatric surgery can lead to an impressive 20 percent to 50 percent total body weight loss, according to The American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. These numbers speak volumes about the differing magnitudes of impact.
Beyond sheer weight loss, bariatric surgery offers a profound benefit: it can help patients reduce or even eliminate their reliance on prescription drugs. Dr. Levy highlights this, saying, “Many of the patients who undergo bariatric surgery do so because they want to get off of medication.” This includes crucial diabetes drugs and other prescription meds that individuals might otherwise take for life due to health issues exacerbated by excess weight. Tonya Spanglo, who underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2019, epitomizes this outcome. “My life changed that day,” she exclaims, having lost a total of 280 pounds and proudly declaring, “I’m off all medications now!”
The most encouraging shift in recent years is the lifting stigma around weight loss interventions. Dr. Levy views weight-loss drugs as an invaluable tool, one that has significantly contributed to the public’s understanding of obesity as a complex disease involving factors like “food noise” cravings, rather than a mere lack of willpower or a moral failing. This enlightened awareness is progressively extending to weight loss surgery, though Dr. Levy admits, “Society at large has been so misinformed about the physiology of obesity for so long. We still have a lot of work to do to dispel stigma.” The bright side is the proliferation of options now available, ensuring that there’s a great choice for everyone striving for long-term weight loss.
Let’s delve into the deeply personal and often challenging journey of Holly Figueroa O’Reilly, a woman whose story encapsulates the complex interplay of these treatments and the sheer resilience of the human spirit. Holly’s experience resonates powerfully with the evolving understanding of obesity, demonstrating how different tools, including Ozempic, can offer renewed hope even after previous interventions.
Holly, at 52, had battled her weight for most of her life, a struggle that began in preschool. Her journey was marked by reaching 300 pounds at one point. In 2006, she underwent her first bariatric surgery, a gastric band, which initially brought her weight down significantly to about 135 pounds. However, scar tissue formed around the band, leading to its removal in 2012, at which time she also had a gastric sleeve. This second surgery provided only a temporary reprieve, as Holly recounts, she “lost 40 pounds, but gained back all of it pretty fast.” From then on, she tried to manage her weight through diet, a continuous uphill battle.
Life threw another curveball in 2021 when her husband was diagnosed with leukemia. This family medical crisis led to a prolonged period of hospital visits, creating an environment where healthy eating became nearly impossible. “There was no way to cook. There was no time, nor did I have the energy to make a meal,” Holly recalls. “I just ate cafeteria food for months, maybe a year, and it wasn’t great. It wasn’t good food. I wasn’t getting the amount of exercise that I had gotten before. I just started gaining weight and I didn’t care.”
Adding to the challenge, Holly started a home bakery and chocolate shop, Marcenet Mercantile, to stay home and care for her husband. As any chocolatier knows, tasting products and consuming the occasional “mistakes” is part of the job. Consequently, her weight crept back up to 250 pounds. This period of intense stress and altered lifestyle meant she had gained 115 pounds back after her initial successful weight loss following her first surgery, embodying the cyclical struggle many face.
Her doctor, noting Holly was “significantly overweight” with an elevated A1C that was “trending the wrong way,” raised concerns about prediabetes. This became the critical juncture where her healthcare provider prescribed Ozempic. The medication, generically known as semaglutide, works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1, which encourages a feeling of fullness and significantly aids in weight loss. As endocrinologist Anne Peters, MD, tells Keck Medicine of USC, “Obesity is an epidemic… if we can help people lose weight easily and simply, why not use all the tools we have available?”
Holly began taking Ozempic in the spring of 2023, and the transformation was profound. In less than a year, she lost 105 pounds, bringing her weight down to 145 pounds. Her A1C levels also improved, moving out of the danger zone. What truly stands out in Holly’s account is the profound shift in her relationship with food, particularly the quieting of what she describes as “food noise.” She says, “Before I started taking Ozempic, my brain was constantly thinking about food: When is my next meal and what am I going to eat? It’s like your brain is always yelling at you, ‘Food, food, food,’ and my brain does not do that anymore.”
This newfound mental freedom allowed Holly to cultivate a healthier relationship with eating. She now estimates she consumes about a quarter of what she did before, carefully planning her meals to ensure adequate protein intake. While she initially experienced common side effects like nausea and some diarrhea, these subsided within about four weeks. Holly remains unfazed by potential unknown future side effects, stating, “I’m way more worried about weighing 250 or 300 pounds for long periods of time — I know what the side effects are from that.” Her journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of Ozempic, especially for those who have faced a long and winding road with weight management.
In a different, yet equally inspiring narrative, Susan Mackey, at 60 years old, discovered the power of bariatric surgery to achieve the healthiest state of her life. Susan had been overweight since childhood, enduring a lifetime of failed diets—Weight Watchers (20 times!), Nutrisystem, SlimFast, various liquid and restrictive diets, and even early versions of injections. Her health in 2020 was dire; she had just seen a dispiriting photo from her daughter’s wedding, and for two years, she was in a constant cycle of hospital visits, needing thyroid surgery, a hysterectomy, and a hip replacement due to severe bone deterioration. Doctors even doubted if she would ever walk again. She also struggled with diabetes.
The idea of surgery, which she’d never considered, came unexpectedly. Her younger daughter, Rachel, invited her to a bariatric surgery seminar. Skeptical but supportive, Susan attended. As the doctor spoke, something clicked: “This sounds like something that could really help me.” In 2021, after thorough medical and mental-health consultations, this single mom underwent gastric bypass surgery. The laparoscopic procedure involved four tiny incisions, reducing her stomach size and rerouting her digestive system to absorb fewer calories. Her recovery, she marvels, “was hardly anything.” She confidently shares with others, “Twenty years ago, weight-loss surgery was thought of as an extreme option. But it has become routine.”
Financially, Susan’s experience also challenged prevailing myths. Her health insurance covered 100 percent of the $63,000 cost of her surgery. Dr. Levy notes that these days, “Surgery often costs about the same as paying for one year of GLP-1 meds,” highlighting the often-overlooked financial viability of surgical options. Susan’s quick adaptation to her new eating habits – yogurt and fruit for breakfast, Mason jar salads for lunch, grilled chicken or fish for dinner, and protein pancakes on weekends – showed a new, sustainable lifestyle. She found that sugar upset her stomach, leading her to give up soda and sweets, a change she happily embraced, saying, “I could live with that!”
The results were life-changing. Susan saw “Everything the doctor promised was happening.” Her chronic acid reflux vanished overnight, and the weight began to melt away: 50 pounds in the first two to three months, and 100 pounds in two years. Her A1C plummeted from 7 to 5.6, signifying she was no longer diabetic. She also got off two prescription medications. Her BMI dropped from 46.1 to 29.6. Even her daughter, Rachel, had a gastric sleeve and lost about 80 pounds, a testament to the family-wide impact of these interventions.
Beyond the physical transformation, Susan’s life blossomed with new activities and renewed confidence. “I had the guts to try kayaking and paddleboarding. That would have been nearly impossible before,” she says. This history buff is now exploring state and national parks and historic sites, with plans to hike the Grand Canyon. She diligently ticks off items from her notebook lists of goals, exclaiming, “The sky is the limit!” Her self-esteem soared; she built a new wardrobe, saying, “I feel really good about myself. I have never had that feeling before.”
Susan firmly believes that using surgery or drugs for weight loss isn’t “cheating.” She views it as “a gift we were given to reach over those hurdles and enjoy our life. It’s something that works for people who never had a chance before. You still have to put the time in, exercise and eat right.” Dr. Levy echoes this sentiment, drawing a powerful analogy: “I see the disease of obesity like the cancer model in that it sometimes takes chemo and surgery to best treat.” This underscores that these tools are aids, not shortcuts, and often work best in concert with dedicated effort.
At 60, Susan declares, “this is the healthiest I have ever been.” Her advice to others struggling with weight is simple and profound: “It doesn’t matter what your age is. If you’re healthy enough for surgery, do it for yourself!” Her story, alongside Holly’s, illustrates that the journey to health is deeply personal, often requiring multiple attempts and diverse strategies, but ultimately leads to a richer, more active life. The confluence of bariatric surgery and GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic presents a formidable and hopeful landscape for those seeking lasting change, proving that a healthier, more vibrant life is indeed within reach.
This evolving understanding of obesity, paired with increasingly effective and accessible treatments, is revolutionizing how we approach weight management. It’s a journey not just about numbers on a scale, but about reclaiming health, vitality, and the sheer joy of living life to its fullest, free from the constant burden of “food noise” and physical limitations. The stories of Holly and Susan are powerful beacons of what is possible when science, empathy, and personal determination converge.
Holly Figueroa O’Reilly’s journey, a testament to resilience, found a new direction with Ozempic. After years of battling her weight through diet, gastric band, and gastric sleeve surgery, the medication brought about a transformation she hadn’t thought possible. Her doctor’s prescription for Ozempic came at a crucial time, with her weight at 250 pounds and an A1C trending towards prediabetes, signaling an urgent need for intervention. The impact was almost immediate, not just on the scale, but profoundly within her mind, silencing the relentless “food noise” that had plagued her for decades.
“Before I started taking Ozempic, my brain was constantly thinking about food: When is my next meal and what am I going to eat? It’s like your brain is always yelling at you, ‘Food, food, food,’ and my brain does not do that anymore,” Holly shares, capturing the immense mental liberation the drug provided. This newfound quietude allowed her to build a healthier relationship with food, viewing it primarily as sustenance rather than a constant fixation or coping mechanism. She estimates she now eats about a quarter of what she consumed before, carefully planning meals to ensure adequate protein intake, a stark contrast to her previous struggles.
In less than a year, Holly achieved a remarkable 105-pound weight loss, bringing her weight down to 145 pounds, and her A1C levels moved out of the danger zone. While she initially experienced common side effects like nausea and some diarrhea, these subsided within about four weeks. Her pragmatic outlook on potential future side effects is striking: “I’m way more worried about weighing 250 or 300 pounds for long periods of time — I know what the side effects are from that.” This perspective underscores the severe health risks associated with obesity and her unwavering commitment to long-term health.
So, how does Ozempic achieve such profound changes? Known generically as semaglutide, this medication mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which the body releases into the intestine when food is eaten. Endocrinologist Anne Peters, MD, from Keck Medicine of USC, emphasizes its significance: “Obesity is an epidemic… if we can help people lose weight easily and simply, why not use all the tools we have available?” This mimicked hormone not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also significantly encourages a feeling of fullness and slows gastric emptying, thereby reducing appetite and cravings.
The genius of Ozempic lies in its dual action. By extending the time food remains in the stomach, it sends signals to the brain that the body is satiated, curbing the relentless urge to eat that many struggling with obesity experience. Furthermore, GLP-1 receptor agonists directly influence brain regions involved in appetite control, effectively quieting the “food noise” Holly described and allowing individuals to make more conscious, healthful eating choices. This biological intervention can be a game-changer for those who find traditional diet and exercise alone insufficient to overcome deep-seated physiological drivers of hunger.
It is important to remember, as with any powerful medical intervention, that Ozempic is a tool designed to support, not replace, fundamental lifestyle changes. The individuals who experience the most transformative and sustainable results often integrate the medication into a broader strategy that includes a healthy diet and active lifestyle. One user noted, “I’ve got an app that I use to log my weight, get meal plans, and workout videos. It’s good because I don’t want to just be focussing on the injection as at some point, I’m going to stop taking it. I’ve got to use it to help me change my habits and lifestyle. It’s not a quick fix.”
Holly’s story is far from unique; countless individuals are finding renewed hope and health through Ozempic. The shared experience among many is the ability to finally break free from the constant mental burden of food-related thoughts, enabling them to focus on overall well-being. From significant triple-digit losses to more moderate, yet equally impactful, transformations, these narratives paint a vivid picture of a world where weight management is becoming more accessible and sustainable for a diverse population.
Consider Michelé, who eloquently shared her journey, stating she “lost 28kg [61 pounds] in just 7 months with the help of Ozempic, smart eating habits, portion control, and calorie counting.” Her dedication to a holistic approach alongside the medication highlights the synergy required for lasting success. Similarly, Karkelia Mauney’s impressive transformation from 260 pounds to 165 pounds, a stunning 95-pound weight loss, exemplifies the profound physical change possible. Kesia Berrios, an influencer, also champions Ozempic, having lost over 60 pounds and continuing her journey with motivational advice.
Linda Marie saw a very impressive 57.4 pounds disappear in just 5-6 months, going from 223.4 pounds to 166 pounds. Amy’s story is even more dramatic, losing a monumental 160 pounds with Ozempic, proudly sharing before and after photos that speak volumes about the drug’s impact. Jen Alico experienced a 40-pound weight loss and, significantly, managed to keep the weight off even after discontinuing the drug, demonstrating that for some, Ozempic can provide the necessary catalyst for long-term behavioral change. “I started to feel good and like I could function better,” she told Newsweek.
The online communities also abound with inspiring accounts. Redditor tbacks97 celebrated hitting a “healthy” BMI, having shed 69 pounds in eight months, proclaiming, “My life is completely changed, it is difficult to describe how freeing it is to not feel held back by movement anymore.” Another Redditor, NefariousnessNo695, and her husband achieved a combined loss of 136 pounds. She vividly recounts, “Within the first two days, I could breathe and my chest didn’t hurt when I walked. The cardiac coverage is real. I couldn’t walk 50 ft without stopping to get a breathe. Now we are at a mile and I lift or do chair yoga, tai chi, Pilates and the pool.” These stories emphasize benefits beyond just the numbers on a scale.
Mrstruong, who lost a remarkable 165 pounds, also adopted healthy habits like 100g of protein and 1500 calories a day, progressing from being unable to tie her shoes to walking 6km multiple times a week. This dedication highlights the collaborative effort between medication and personal commitment. Last-Scratch9221, losing 32 pounds in three months, enthusiastically shared, “I have so much more energy with Oz I absolutely love it,” demonstrating how the physical changes fuel a more active and vibrant lifestyle.
Marcia Perry, a certified personal trainer, lost over 70 pounds, normalizing her A1C, cholesterol, and liver enzymes. She proudly stated, “I feel like me again for the first time in 10 years. The 70ish lb weight loss is just the cherry on top.” Barbie Jackson-Williams, shedding 180 pounds, found a renewed zest for life: “I want to be active. I want to be doing stuff.” Even at 78, Pepper Schwartz lost 30 pounds, driven by a desire for better health rather than just aesthetics: “I love the fact that my blood pressure is low and my cholesterol is low and all those good things.” These diverse stories powerfully illustrate that age is no barrier to achieving transformative health outcomes.
While the success stories are compelling, it’s crucial to acknowledge the practicalities and common concerns associated with Ozempic. Side effects are a frequent topic of discussion, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation being among the most commonly reported. However, as noted in a meta-analysis in Clinical Therapeutics, these gastrointestinal issues are typically transient and manageable, often diminishing as the body adjusts to the medication, especially when starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. Holly’s experience, where her initial nausea subsided after about four weeks, mirrors this medical insight.
Long-term safety is another vital consideration. Extensive clinical trials, such as the SUSTAIN and STEP trials, have evaluated Ozempic’s efficacy and safety over extended periods, demonstrating that the medication is generally well-tolerated and effective for up to two years. Regarding cost and accessibility, while Ozempic can be expensive, many insurance plans do provide coverage, and patient assistance programs exist to help alleviate the financial burden. A study in Pharmacoeconomics even found that despite the initial cost, the long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare expenditures associated with weight loss can make it a viable and worthwhile option.
These powerful success stories and medical insights converge on a critical truth: sustainable weight loss, whether achieved through surgery or medication like Ozempic, thrives within a holistic framework. It’s not simply about “the shot” but about harnessing its potential to facilitate broader lifestyle changes. The medication creates an opportune window by curbing appetite and cravings, allowing individuals to rewire their habits and focus on fundamental health pillars. This means actively engaging in conscious dietary choices and regular physical activity, often with the support of professionals.
Dietary changes are paramount. A balanced nutrition plan, rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats, is the bedrock of lasting health. Working with a dietitian can provide a personalized roadmap, ensuring that caloric intake is appropriate and nutrient needs are met. Research published in Obesity Reviews confirms that combining pharmacotherapy with dietary interventions leads to significantly greater weight loss and improved outcomes compared to medication alone, emphasizing that Ozempic works best when partnered with mindful eating.
Equally vital is regular physical activity. Beyond burning calories, exercise offers a myriad of benefits, from boosting mood and energy levels to improving cardiovascular health and muscle strength. As Ozempic patients often experience increased energy and reduced physical discomfort, they are better positioned to embrace and sustain an active lifestyle, transforming their relationship with movement. Jacqueline, who lost 90 pounds, exemplifies this, starting with 30-minute walks and gradually incorporating bodyweight exercises and Pilates, “Just do what you can, and find exercise that you like!” she advises.
Finally, behavioral and psychological support often forms the crucial third leg of this holistic stool. Addressing emotional eating, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and understanding the deeper psychological aspects of one’s relationship with food are essential for long-term success. Emma, a 38-year-old nurse who lost 25% of her initial body weight over 18 months, strongly emphasized working with a therapist to address emotional eating. The “food noise” silencing effect of Ozempic can provide the mental space needed to engage effectively with these therapeutic processes, fostering genuine and sustainable behavioral shifts.
Ultimately, the journey to a healthier weight is deeply personal and complex, often requiring a multifaceted approach. As Dr. Levy wisely frames it, “I see the disease of obesity like the cancer model in that it sometimes takes chemo and surgery to best treat.” This powerful analogy underscores that interventions like Ozempic and bariatric surgery are not “cheating” but scientifically advanced tools to combat a serious disease. When embraced as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes dedicated effort towards diet, exercise, and mental well-being, these advancements empower individuals to reclaim their health, vitality, and truly live life to its fullest, free from the constant burden of obesity.
