Weight loss surgery is a very significant step for many people struggling with chronic obesity as they move towards achieving a healthier lifestyle and losing weight for their overall wellbeing. However, some patients, post-surgery, may need additional support to maintain or enhance their weight loss journey. Weight loss injections have emerged as a potential complementary treatment option following bariatric surgery, but many patients wonder about their safety and effectiveness after a procedure.
At Bodyline, our team of experienced weight health professionals have worked with men and women at every stage of their weight loss journey, whether they’re at the very start or coming to us after bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgeries include procedures like a gastric bypass, gastric banding (lap band), and gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy).
We’ve put together this comprehensive blog to give you all the information you need if you’re considering your options after bariatric surgery and thinking about using weight loss injections. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 0800 995 6036.
Weight Loss Medication After Surgery: Is it Safe?
Using weight loss medications after a bariatric surgery can offer promising results when properly monitored by healthcare professionals. These medications can help patients who experience weight loss plateaus or regain weight in the years after their surgical procedures. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all patients are suitable candidates for weight loss injections post-surgery.
Weight loss injections work by mimicking hormones called GLP-1 and GIP. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite and is released in the intestines following mealtimes. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP, is another hormone released by the small intestine in response to food intake and works to regulate blood sugar and nutrient absorption.
Medications, such as the ones precribed by Bodyline Clinic as part of a personalised and supported weight loss programme, activate receptors to aid in controlling appetite, regulating metabolism, and facilitating fat breakdown to promote weight loss in people with obesity. These medical weight loss solutions have shown significant results, with some treatments leading to an average weight loss of 15-20% in clinical trials.
Safety depends on various factors, including the type of bariatric surgery performed, the time elapsed since surgery, and individual health conditions. Advice through consultations with specialist weight loss clinicians is essential to identify whether you are eligible for medical weight loss injections to ensure appropriate dosing and monitoring of potential side effects.
Eligibility depends on whether patients fit into the criteria defined by regulatory medicine bodies like the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
- Patients should have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30, classifying them as obese
- Or patients must have a BMI of above 27, classified as overweight, along with a weight related co-morbidity
- No history of eating disorders
- Medical history and medications analysed to ensure no contraindications
Find out more about regulations from NICE here.
Find out more about regulations from MHRA here.
Post-op Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, work by targeting appetite control and metabolism regulation. These medications can complement the results of bariatric surgery by helping patients maintain portion control and reduce hunger signals after the effects of the gastric surgery starts to wear off.
When introduced appropriately after surgery, these medications can help patients achieve an additional 10-15% total body weight loss, meaning the weight regain or plateau can be pushed through, and the positive weight health results can be maintained.
However, timing is crucial, and these medications should only be started under medical supervision to ensure proper safety for patients.
Using WeGovy After Bariatric Surgery
Wegovy (semaglutide) has become increasingly popular as a post-bariatric surgery weight management tool. This once-weekly injection contains GLP-1 receptor agonists, and helps regulate appetite and food intake, potentially enhancing the results of bariatric surgery. Wegovy has been shown to be beneficial for patients who experience weight regain years after their initial surgery. While there have not been research studies specifically examining the use of WeGovy in the post-bariatric surgery population, it is reported to be a very reasonable option for patients with weight regain or inadequate results.
Using Mounjaro After Bariatric Surgery
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) represents the newest generation of weight management medications. As a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, it offers a unique dual mechanism of action that can be particularly effective to produce incredible weight loss results. Studies suggest Mounjaro actually provides superior weight loss results compared to other injectable medications.
Patients using Mounjaro after bariatric surgery should be closely monitored, as the combination of the medication’s effects with the altered digestive system requires careful management of dosing and potential side effects.
Understanding Your Options Post-Weight Loss Surgery
The decision to use weight loss injections after bariatric surgery should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy in conjunction with weight loss healthcare experts who can provide proper advice and guidance through this journey.
Factors to consider include:
- Time elapsed since surgery
- Current weight loss progress
- Overall health status
- Previous weight loss attempts
- Long-term weight management goals
A thorough evaluation by specialist weight loss nurses and clinical teams like ours at Bodyline can help determine the most appropriate timing and the type of injectable medication for individual cases.
The Bodyline Difference
At Bodyline, we understand that each patient’s weight loss journey is unique. Our comprehensive approach to post-bariatric care includes careful consideration of weight loss injections as part of an individualised treatment plan. We provide:
- Detailed medical evaluations to ensure safety and appropriateness of injectable medications
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans
- Comprehensive support including dietary guidance and lifestyle counseling
- Long-term follow-up to ensure sustained success
Our team of weight health clinical specialists works closely with each patient to determine the most effective combination of treatments, ensuring optimal results while maintaining safety as our top priority.
If you’re considering weight loss injections after bariatric surgery, call Bodyline – the trusted and leading UK medical weight loss clinic on 0800 995 6036 or complete an enquiry form for a call back.
Bodyline works. Bodyline cares.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
