As a board-certified bariatric surgeon, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing weight loss surgery can be—not just in pounds lost, but in health regained. With the recent surge in popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, many patients are wondering whether these drugs are a viable alternative to revisional bariatric surgery.

A recent multicenter study helps answer that question—and the results are compelling.

The Study: Surgery vs. Medication After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Researchers examined nearly 5,000 patients who had previously undergone sleeve gastrectomy but experienced insufficient weight loss or weight regain. These patients were divided into two groups:

• One group underwent conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

• The other initiated GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide).

The results? Those who underwent gastric bypass surgery saw significantly greater and more sustained weight loss at every follow-up interval, from three months to three years.

“Roux-en-Y gastric bypass remains the most powerful and durable solution for patients who experience weight regain or insufficient results after sleeve gastrectomy,” says Dr. Abkin. “Medications can help, but they simply can’t match the long-term outcomes of surgery—especially when it comes to total body weight loss.”

The Numbers Don’t Lie

At the three-year mark, patients who converted to gastric bypass lost 26.1% of their total body weight, compared to just 13.7% for those on GLP-1 medications. And this wasn’t a temporary win—bypass patients outperformed GLP-1 users at every single checkpoint.

“We’re not just talking about better numbers—we’re talking about real, lasting change that improves patients’ quality of life,” Dr. Abkin emphasizes.

Diabetes Control and Beyond

Interestingly, the study found no significant difference between groups in terms of blood sugar control (as measured by hemoglobin A1c). But when you consider the double-digit advantage in total weight loss, the benefits of surgery for long-term health become even more apparent.

“GLP-1 drugs can support temporary blood sugar regulation, but weight loss remains the most effective and sustainable way to reverse type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Abkin. “Gastric bypass offers both—without relying on ongoing medication use.”

The Hidden Costs of GLP-1 Medications

Another important consideration is the cost of treatment. While GLP-1 medications can cost upwards of $1,300 per month, studies show that the financial break-even point compared to surgery is around 18 months. And that doesn’t include additional factors like:

• Complication rates

• Medication shortages

• Out-of-pocket costs due to limited insurance coverage

“The cost of surgery may seem significant up front, but when you factor in the long-term savings and the permanence of the solution, it’s an investment in your health that pays off,” Dr. Abkin explains.

The Bottom Line: Why Choose Surgery?

While GLP-1 medications may have a role in treating obesity, they come with limitations—side effects, ongoing cost, and diminishing returns once therapy stops. Meanwhile, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass delivers superior, sustained weight loss, improved metabolic health, and a proven track record of long-term success.

“Medications are a tool,” Dr. Abkin says, “but for patients who want a permanent, transformative solution, bariatric surgery—particularly gastric bypass—remains the gold standard.”

If you’ve had a sleeve gastrectomy and are struggling with weight regain or plateaued progress, let’s talk. You don’t have to settle for temporary fixes. You deserve a lasting solution.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, and with obesity rates climbing, the urgency for effective solutions has never been greater. Recent findings from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics report highlight the critical need for intervention. With cardiovascular disease responsible for more deaths than all cancers and accidental fatalities combined, it’s time to take action.

Dr. Alexander Abkin, a leading bariatric surgeon in New Jersey, stresses the role of weight loss surgery in reducing heart disease risk. “Obesity is a driving force behind conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol—all major risk factors for heart disease. Bariatric surgery isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about saving lives.”

The Alarming Rise of Obesity and Heart Disease

The statistics paint a grim picture: In 2022 alone, 941,652 Americans lost their lives to heart disease-related conditions. While smoking rates have declined and cholesterol levels have improved, the battle against obesity remains an uphill fight.

More than 72% of U.S. adults now have an “unhealthy weight” (BMI of 25 or higher), with nearly 42% classified as obese (BMI of 30 or more). Even more concerning, over half of all U.S. adults (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes—both closely linked to excess weight.

“Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it’s a medical crisis,” says Dr. Abkin. “Excess weight places enormous strain on the heart, leading to high blood pressure, diabetes, and eventually heart failure or stroke. Bariatric surgery offers a proven way to reverse these conditions and extend life expectancy.”

Bariatric Surgery: A Proven Solution

With excess weight contributing to nearly 500,000 deaths annually—more than smoking—medical professionals are emphasizing the need for aggressive intervention. Research has shown that weight loss surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease and related conditions.

“Studies show that bariatric surgery leads to long-term weight loss, significant improvement in diabetes and high blood pressure, and a drastic reduction in heart disease-related mortality,” Dr. Abkin explains. “Patients who undergo weight loss surgery can reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke by nearly 50%.”

Beyond heart health, bariatric surgery has been linked to improved quality of life, increased mobility, and even mental health benefits.

The AHA’s report warns that, if current trends continue, obesity and hypertension will each affect more than 180 million U.S. adults by 2050, with diabetes cases surpassing 80 million. This would result in a staggering 300% increase in cardiovascular-related healthcare costs.

“We can’t afford to wait,” Dr. Abkin urges. “Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about gaining years of life. For those struggling with obesity and its complications, it’s one of the most effective medical interventions available.”

The latest advancements in bariatric procedures have made weight loss surgery safer and more effective than ever. With minimally invasive techniques and comprehensive post-surgical support, more patients are achieving lasting health improvements.

If you or a loved one is struggling with obesity and related health issues, now is the time to explore life-saving options. Contact us today and take the first step toward a healthier future.

A woman named Juanita Gantt has filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the company behind the diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, claiming that the medications caused serious side effects that weren’t adequately warned about on the label.

Gantt shared her story, explaining that her doctor initially prescribed Wegovy, and later Ozempic, due to concerns she was at risk of developing diabetes. At the time, she weighed 242 pounds. For a while, Gantt said the drugs worked well for her: “I was feeling fine. I enjoyed the days that I didn’t have to worry about my appetite. I didn’t have cravings. I just felt like I was doing something positive for myself.”

However, in October 2023, Gantt experienced a life-threatening complication. She collapsed at home and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered that parts of her large intestine had died and needed to be removed. During her recovery, Gantt’s heart stopped, and she now lives with an ileostomy bag, a medical device that helps her body eliminate waste.

Gantt said she had no warning that such serious complications could happen. The main ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy—semaglutide and liraglutide—are part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs can slow digestion, which can sometimes lead to severe digestive issues if taken long-term. Last year, similar drugs were linked to cases of stomach paralysis, a condition where digestion is dangerously delayed.

Dr. Alexander Abkin, a bariatric surgeon in New Jersey, emphasizes the importance of understanding all treatment options for weight loss. “Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be effective in managing weight, but they do come with risks, as we’ve seen in recent cases. Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, has been proven to offer long-term weight loss benefits with a more predictable outcome. For many patients, especially those with severe obesity, surgery can provide a safer and more effective solution.”

Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, responded to the lawsuit, stating that they are sympathetic to Gantt’s health challenges but believe the lawsuit has no merit. They also mentioned that their GLP-1 medications have been used safely for many years and that potential risks are clearly outlined in the product’s labeling.

Dr. Abkin adds, “While medications can help in specific cases, bariatric surgery remains one of the most reliable ways to achieve significant, lasting weight loss. It not only helps patients lose weight but also resolves conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. Patients need to weigh all options and consider what will provide them with the safest, most sustainable results.”

Sleeve Gastrectomy has become a widely adopted procedure for weight loss. However, its success is sometimes overshadowed by complications such as postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and weight recurrence. As a result, converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has emerged as a potential solution. To explore the effectiveness of this conversion, a comprehensive study was conducted across 41 hospitals in Michigan from 2014 to 2022.

The study highlights several significant benefits of converting sleeve gastrectomy to Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass:

Improved GERD Symptoms

One of the primary motivations for converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass is the management of GERD. Dr. Alexander Abkin, a bariatric surgeon based in New Jersey, emphasizes the effectiveness of this approach. “The conversion to Gastric Bypass can drastically reduce GERD symptoms. Our patients frequently report substantial relief after the procedure,” says Dr. Abkin. The study supports this, with GERD-HRQL scores dropping significantly from 24.6 to 6.6. Additionally, the need for anti-reflux medication decreased from 74% to 27% within a year of conversion.

Significant Weight Loss

Weight management is another crucial aspect where conversion shows notable improvement. Patients experienced an average weight loss of 68.4 pounds, which translates to a 24.3% reduction in total body weight and a 51.5% decrease in excess body weight. According to Dr. Abkin, “The conversion not only addresses GERD but also substantially aids in further weight reduction, which can be crucial for long-term success in managing obesity.”

The findings from this large-scale study demonstrate that converting Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass offers significant benefits, particularly in managing GERD and achieving substantial weight loss. The procedure has proven effective in alleviating GERD symptoms and reducing the reliance on anti-reflux medications. However, as Dr. Abkin advises, “Every patient’s case is unique, and the decision to convert should be tailored to the individual’s overall health profile and comorbidities.”

This research underscores the importance of personalized treatment strategies in bariatric surgery and offers valuable insights for patients and surgeons considering conversion from Sleeve Gastrectomy to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

New research reveals that weight loss surgery, specifically Bariatric Metabolic Surgery (BMS), can provide a significant survival advantage over the popular diabetes medication class, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), for adults with obesity and diabetes of up to 10 years. Read more