Weight Loss Drugs vs. Bariatric Surgery: Which Is the Best Option for You?
If you have struggled with obesity and have not found long-term success through diet and exercise alone, you may be considering medical interventions to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Two of the most effective options today are weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery — but how do you know which is right for you? At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists/Kane Center, we offer both medication-based treatments like Wegovy® and Zepbound™, as well as a range of advanced bariatric procedures to support lasting weight loss. Here is a closer look at how they compare:
Effectiveness and Weight Loss Results
Weight loss drugs such as Wegovy® and Zepbound™ work by mimicking hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar, helping patients feel fuller longer and consume fewer calories. These medications can lead to meaningful weight loss — typically about 15% of one’s body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, typically results in greater and more rapid weight loss. Depending on the procedure, patients may lose 50-70% or more of their excess body weight. Surgical options like vertical sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and duodenal switch alter the stomach and/or digestive tract to promote significant, sustained weight reduction.
Long-Term Success
While weight loss drugs can be effective in the short term, long-term success often depends on continued medication use and adherence to lifestyle changes. Discontinuing the medication may lead to weight regain.
Bariatric surgery tends to offer longer-lasting outcomes. Many patients experience significant weight loss that lasts for years — often a decade or longer — especially when supported by consistent follow-up care, nutritional guidance, and healthy habits. Surgical procedures can offer a powerful tool for resetting metabolic function and addressing the root causes of obesity.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Weight loss medications are often ideal for patients with a lower BMI (typically ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities) who are not ready or eligible for surgery.
Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a BMI ≥40, or ≥35 with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea. Our team offers comprehensive evaluations to help determine which approach is best for each patient.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing between weight loss medications and bariatric surgery in Chicago depends on your health profile, weight loss goals, and personal preferences. At Suburban Surgical Care Specialists/Kane Center, we are here to help you navigate your options and create a customized plan that works for your body and your life.