In recent years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity as weight-loss solutions. But despite their FDA approval and initial promise, more patients are discovering the serious downsides—some even landing in the emergency room.

“I’ve seen firsthand how hopeful patients are when they start these medications,” says Dr. Alexander Abkin, board-certified bariatric surgeon in New Jersey. “But I’ve also seen the distress when side effects derail their progress or send them to the hospital. That’s where bariatric surgery offers a more predictable, long-term solution.”

ER Visits on the Rise for Ozempic Users

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine tracked semaglutide-related emergency room visits across 82 hospitals. The data revealed that 70% of these visits were due to gastrointestinal distress—nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea being the most common culprits.

Dr. Abkin explains, “These medications work by slowing digestion, which can make people feel full longer. But for many, that mechanism backfires, leading to complications like gastroparesis, or even what’s being called ‘stomach paralysis.’”

Other ER visit causes included:

• Low blood sugar (16.5%), which surprisingly led to hospitalization in nearly 38% of those cases.
• Gallbladder inflammation, often a result of rapid, unregulated weight loss.
• Pancreatitis, bile duct issues, and rare complications like nerve pain (allodynia).

“GLP-1 medications are marketed as easy fixes,” Dr. Abkin adds. “But the reality is, these drugs can introduce a whole new set of medical risks—especially when patients are using compounded versions that aren’t FDA-regulated.”

The “Wild West” of Weight Loss Medications

One alarming trend is the rise of off-brand compounded semaglutide. Unlike FDA-approved versions, these medications are often prepared in non-standardized ways, increasing the risk of dosage errors and adverse reactions.

“It’s the Wild West out there,” warns Dr. Abkin. “Patients are buying medications online or from unverified providers. They’re injecting themselves without proper monitoring. It’s incredibly risky.”

As a result, patients are experiencing unexpected complications—from vision issues and gallstones to changes in mood and body composition (commonly referred to as ‘Ozempic face’ or ‘Ozempic butt’).

Why Bariatric Surgery Is a Safer, Proven Alternative

Dr. Abkin emphasizes that while medications may offer short-term weight loss, bariatric surgery remains the gold standard for sustainable, long-term weight control—particularly for those with obesity-related health conditions.

“With surgery, we’re not just putting a Band-Aid on hunger,” says Dr. Abkin. “We’re addressing the root metabolic causes of obesity. And we’re doing it in a way that’s safe, supervised, and proven by decades of outcomes data.”

Key advantages of bariatric surgery over GLP-1 drugs include:

• Long-term success: Weight loss is more significant and sustainable over time.
• Improvement or resolution of comorbidities: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea often improve dramatically.
• No dependency on lifelong medication: Unlike injections, surgery doesn’t require daily or weekly maintenance for the rest of your life.
• Lower risk of GI-related complications when procedures are performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons in accredited centers.

A Word of Caution for GLP-1 Users

Dr. Abkin stresses that patients currently taking Ozempic or Wegovy should be closely monitored. “If you’re experiencing severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of low blood sugar, it’s time to seek immediate medical attention—and reconsider your long-term plan.”

He also encourages patients to work with qualified providers, not online clinics or social media-driven programs.

“Weight loss is not one-size-fits-all. If you’re serious about improving your health and quality of life, talk to a specialist. Talk to a surgeon. Your future deserves more than a quick fix.”

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Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Alexander Abkin Today

If you’re ready to explore a safer, more effective alternative to GLP-1 medications, Dr. Abkin and his experienced team are here to help. Schedule your bariatric surgery consultation and take the first step toward lasting, transformative weight loss.

A recent study has clearly demonstrated that bariatric surgery is more effective than both lifestyle changes and medications for maintaining weight loss. Dr. Alexander Abkin, a bariatric surgeon in New Jersey, states, “When it comes to keeping weight off for the long term, surgery outshines medications and lifestyle changes without question.”

Presented at the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, this analysis combined data from six major studies involving over 40,000 patients. It’s the first comprehensive review to focus on this critical comparison.

The study examined:

• Bariatric Surgery: This included two procedures—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy—encompassing nearly 25,000 patients.
• Lifestyle Changes: Only about 723 patients were included in this category, relying primarily on diet and exercise.
• Medications: The analysis also assessed GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, with over 15,000 patients participating.

Lifestyle changes yielded an average weight loss of just 7.4%, and participants frequently regained that weight within a few years. “Lifestyle interventions fall short in providing lasting results,” Dr. Abkin explains.

When it comes to medications, while they can help some patients lose weight, the results are significantly less effective than those achieved through surgery. Many patients who use GLP-1 medications regain a substantial portion of the weight once they stop taking them. Roughly half of the weight lost was regained within a year after stopping injections; with continued injections, weight loss plateaued after 17 to 18 months. In contrast, bariatric surgery often leads to a loss of around 30% of body weight, with patients maintaining much of that loss over time.

This study indicates bariatric surgery is not just more effective than lifestyle changes but is also far superior to medications for long-term weight management. As Dr. Abkin adds, “For those struggling with obesity, surgery is the most effective path to achieving and sustaining significant weight loss, providing benefits that medications simply can’t match.”

Bariatric surgery, which helps people lose weight, appears to significantly lower the risk of serious heart problems and death for those who are obese and suffer from moderate-to-severe sleep apnea, according to a recent study. This research, known as the MOSAIC study, found that people who had the surgery reduced their risk of major cardiovascular issues by 42% and their overall risk of death by 37% compared to those who didn’t undergo the surgery. Read more

If you’ve been considering Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) for weight loss, you might wonder how effective it is in the long run. A recent study looked at patients who had the surgery between 2008 and 2009 and followed them for up to 15 years. Here’s what they found, with insights from Dr. Alexander Abkin, a bariatric surgeon from New Jersey.

Long-Term Weight Loss

The study included 264 patients, mostly women, and assessed how well they maintained weight loss over 15 years. The results were promising. On average, patients lost about 31.5% of their total body weight in the first year, and they managed to keep losing more than 20% of their body weight throughout the follow-up period.

Dr. Abkin explains, “Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is known for its effectiveness in the short term, but this study really shows its long-term potential. Patients can maintain significant weight loss over many years, which is crucial for long-term success.”

Improvement in Health Conditions

The surgery didn’t just help with weight loss—it also improved several obesity-related health conditions. For example, about 61% of patients saw their type 2 diabetes go into remission, 47% saw improvements in their cholesterol levels, and 40% had their high blood pressure resolved. However, some conditions did return over time, with 24% of patients experiencing a return of diabetes and 18% seeing their high blood pressure come back.

Dr. Abkin adds, “One of the great benefits of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is its ability to significantly improve or resolve health conditions related to obesity. However, it’s important to keep monitoring and managing these conditions, as some patients might experience a recurrence.”

Challenges and Considerations

The study also noted that about 51% of patients saw some weight regain over 15 years. Factors like higher initial body mass index and having type 2 diabetes before the surgery were linked to a higher chance of weight regain.

Dr. Abkin advises, “While Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass can offer lasting results, it’s not a cure-all. Maintaining weight loss and health improvements requires ongoing effort and regular check-ups. Understanding the factors that contribute to weight regain can help in managing and overcoming these challenges.”

Conclusion

Overall, the study confirms that laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass offers significant and lasting benefits for weight loss and improving obesity-related health conditions. Dr. Abkin sums it up: “Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass remains a promising option for long-term weight management and health improvement. For those considering this surgery, it’s important to be aware of both its benefits and the need for long-term commitment to maintain results.”

This research highlights the effectiveness of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass over a lengthy period, offering valuable insights for anyone looking into weight loss surgery options.

Heart disease has held the title of the world’s leading cause of death for over a century. Unfortunately, the future does not seem to offer any relief from this statistic. Read more