Weight loss surgery more effective than obesity drugs, diet changes: study


Sorry, Ozempic users.

Bariatric surgery leads to more weight loss that’s longer-lasting compared to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy and behavioral changes such as diet and exercise, new research finds.

“Metabolic and bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity. Unfortunately, it also remains among the most underutilized,” said study co-author and bariatric surgeon Dr. Marina Kurian of NYU Langone Health.

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Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for individuals struggling with obesity, offering not only significant and sustainable weight loss, but also providing improvements in various weight-related medical problems.

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for individuals struggling with obesity, offering not only significant and sustainable weight loss, but also providing improvements in various weight-related medical problems. One common medical problem that affects many patients with obesity is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

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Preventing Pouch Dilation after Sleeve Gastrectomy

One common cause of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy is that of stretching or dilation of the remaining stomach. This leads to an increase in storage capacity and, ultimately, weight gain.  With an enlarged stomach, patients require increased amounts of food to feel satisfied. Avoiding this issue is obviously preferable, so the following is a discussion of the common causes for pouch dilation of the stomach after weight loss surgery.

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The overwhelming success and safety of bariatric surgery compared to diets and medication is well known to the medical community.

The overwhelming success and safety of bariatric surgery compared to diets and medication is well known to the medical community. However, a surgical revision of a previous bariatric surgery is sometimes necessary. Around 15% of bariatric patients will proceed with revision, and this number is on the rise due to the sheer popularity of bariatric surgery. There are several important factors which influence the need for revision, including complications from the original surgery, suboptimal lifestyle or eating choices leading to weight regain, or weight loss, which wasn’t quite as much as expected. In many cases, surgical revision is a great option for the original surgical tool to become effective again. In other cases, a different procedure altogether will be considered. While surgical revision may have higher complexity and potentially more risk than the original procedure, this is generally a reasonable and safe option for patients to consider.

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Dr. Nicholson and Registered Dietician, Melanie Wilder, discuss diet and a healthy lifestyle with Good Morning Texas.

A recent study published in the American Medical Association Internal Medicine Journal revealed that both men and women are more likely to lose weight and become physically active if their partner is involved.

Dallas, Texas, January 5, 2022: Have you tried losing weight for years but have failed repeatedly? Now is the time to take a new approach! What new approach? Undergo weight loss surgery together with a family member, friend, or significant other. Weight loss surgery reduces the size of a patient’s stomach, helping them decrease the amount of food they consume and helping them feel full longer, curbing their appetite. By having a lifetime partner throughout the process, you will have support every step of the way, leading to better results and compliance.

A recent study published in the American Medical Association Internal Medicine Journal revealed that both men and women are more likely to lose weight and become physically active if their partner is involved. A study further endorsed this recent finding. The Association for Psychological Science indicates that life contentment is linked with behaviors that can impact health. These include:

  • Diet and exercise
  • Having a happy and active spouse or partner

This remarkable model also extends to friendship. How much can friendship impact your health? According to the Mayo Clinic, friendship significantly impacts well-being and health. Your friend can help you to avert or change unhealthy lifestyle habits.

If you are looking for a center that encourages this new approach, look no further. The Nicholson Clinic has got you covered!

Without a doubt, relationships foster support, accountability, and motivation. Fortunately, these are essential ingredients for adopting a healthy lifestyle. Apart from these, your partner’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle will further inspire you to keep up with your goal to lose weight. Your conversation will center on your weight loss goals, offering benefits beyond weight loss. Patients reduce the risk of developing serious weight-related diseases and health complications, and eliminate them all together. Weight loss surgery can lead to a longer, happier, healthier, more active life.

To learn more about other benefits that come from paring up when undergoing weight loss goals, visit www.nicholsonclinic.com now!

About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.

New study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic which found that bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular complications in patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery is proud to share a new study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic which found that bariatric surgery may reduce the risk of major cardiovascular complications in patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The findings suggest that bariatric surgery is a safe and effective tool to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in these patients.

Obesity is a major health issue that can lead to a range of health problems, including sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep due to the narrowing of the airway. It can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), people with obesity are at higher risk for developing sleep apnea with almost 75% of those with sleep apnea having obesity as an underlying cause. It has been found to be a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.

The study conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of 13,657 patients seen at Cleveland Clinic from 2004 to 2018 who had a BMI of 35 kg/m2 to 70 kg/m2 and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, defined as apnea-hypopnea index of 15 or more events per hour as determined by a sleep study. Among the cohort, 970 had bariatric surgery and the rest did not. Baseline covariates were balanced between the surgery group and the control group after overlap weighting. The primary outcome was extended major adverse CV events (MACE), defined as coronary artery events, cerebrovascular events, HF, atrial fibrillation, and mortality. Patients were followed through September 2022.

The results showed that bariatric surgery was associated with significantly lower MACE (hazard ratio 0.63; 95% CI 0.51–0.78; P < .001) compared with non-surgical care among patients with moderate to severe OSA and obesity after adjustment for baseline characteristics including age, sex, BMI category , hypertension , diabetes mellitus , smoking status, dyslipidemia, prior myocardial infarction or stroke, prior coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, atrial fibrillation/flutter or other arrhythmia.
“These findings demonstrate the need to consider sleep apnea as another health condition when counseling patients with obesity.” said Dr Nick Nicholson from the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery located in Dallas Texas. “Weight loss surgery is another tool available that is safe and effective and can help patients with sleep apnea live longer and reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. Additionally, when patients can lose large amounts of weight and keep it off, many of their health conditions will improve, including sleep apnea.”

This research adds further evidence that bariatric surgery can be an effective treatment option for those suffering from OSA who are also struggling with obesity-related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. While CPAP therapy has proven effective in treating OSA symptoms it does not address underlying issues related to weight gain such as metabolic syndrome which can lead to long term health complications if left untreated or unmanaged effectively over time. Bariatric surgery has been shown time again to be an effective treatment option for individuals dealing with morbid obesity related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, and more.

Dr. Nicholson concluded: “We are excited about this new research indicating that bariatric surgery reduces risk for major cardiovascular complications in patients with obesity and sleep apnea. We look forward to continuing our work helping individuals achieve their health goals through evidence-based treatments like bariatric surgery procedures.”

About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, Gastric Balloon, LAP-BAND removal and Revisions.

The gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a popular weight loss procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity and helping patients to feel fuller faster.
The gastric sleeve or sleeve gastrectomy surgery is a popular weight loss procedure that removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity and helping patients to feel fuller faster. In addition, the procedure prompts hormonal changes that assist with weight loss. While it is generally successful in helping people reach their desired weight, some patients may require a revisional procedure at some point. A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that the most common reason for gastric sleeve revision is failure to achieve desired weight loss results and the most frequent revisional procedure was gastric bypass.

It’s important for anyone considering gastric sleeve to be aware of the possibility of needing a revisional procedure if weight regain occurs and the patient is unable to effectively lose the weight with their existing sleeve and a pouch reset diet, or if they have a complication of some sort. The NIH study concluded that revisional surgery was favorable for weight reduction and comorbidity resolution, so it’s worth considering if you have had trouble losing weight after a gastric sleeve procedure or if you have other health issues related to your weight. You may have several questions about the revision procedure and what it entails. Here’s what you need to know about gastric sleeve revisions:

What is Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery? 

Gastric sleeve revision surgery is a type of bariatric surgery that involves making changes to an existing gastric sleeve procedure to improve outcomes. It can involve either adding or removing tissue from the stomach, altering the size of an existing pouch, or even performing another type of bariatric procedure such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch. The goal of this type of surgery is to help patients achieve better results with their weight loss efforts and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Who Is Eligible for Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery? 
To be eligible for a gastric sleeve revision, you must meet certain criteria including being at least 18 years old, having failed to achieve significant weight loss with your initial gastric sleeve procedure, having no medical conditions that would make it unsafe for you to undergo another bariatric surgery, and being willing and able to follow dietary restrictions after your surgery. Your doctor will also evaluate your overall health before recommending a revisional procedure so they can ensure it’s safe for you.

What Are the Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery? 

The primary benefit of undergoing a gastric sleeve revision is improved weight loss outcomes compared with your initial procedure. Other potential benefits include improved metabolic health such as lower cholesterol levels and better blood sugar control; reduced risk of developing certain diseases such as diabetes; reduced risk of developing sleep apnea; improved quality of life; improved physical mobility; improved mental health; and decreased risk of obesity-related death.

What Are Some Possible Complications Associated with Gastric Sleeve Revisions? 
Revisional surgeries are typically more complex than original surgeries; however, when performed by experienced professionals, they can be done safely with minimal risks or complications. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots in the legs or lungs, adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications used during the operation and hernia formation at incision sites. Problems with digestion due to altered anatomy in the stomach area due to scarring from previous surgeries or trauma from instruments used during prior procedures may also occur. It’s important to discuss all potential risks with your doctor prior to deciding on undergoing any type of bariatric surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.

Where Can I Get Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery? 
The Nicholson Clinic offers comprehensive care when it comes to bariatric surgeries including revisions for those who have previously undergone a gastric sleeve operation but have not achieved optimal results. The Nicholson Clinic specializes in minimally invasive techniques which reduce recovery time while still providing excellent results. Patients receive individualized care plans tailored specifically for their needs which includes preoperative counseling, nutrition guidance, postoperative support, psychological support, lifestyle modification advice, online support groups, exercise programs, and access to our medical staff and support team as needed. With experienced surgeons on staff who specialize in performing high quality bariatric surgeries along with comprehensive postoperative care plans tailored specifically for each patient’s needs, the Nicholson Clinic provides excellent care when considering any type of bariatric surgery including revisions.

We understand how overwhelming this process can be and we want our patients to feel comfortable knowing that they are in good hands every step of the way. If you are considering a gastric sleeve revision or have questions about any other type of bariatric surgery, please contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced surgeons. We look forward to helping you achieve your health goals safely and effectively!

About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, Gastric Balloon, and revisions.

When it comes to losing weight, many people turn to short-term methods that do not work or are very costly. Before looking into any quick fix solutions for weight loss, consider weight loss surgery as an option; it’s a more effective way to achieve your goals. With the right amount of research and guidance from an experienced medical team, you can find a solution that works best for you.

Many people waste time and money trying ineffective methods to lose weight. These methods may include crash diets or expensive supplements that promise quick results but fail to deliver. Not only are these methods often ineffective in the long run, but they can also be costly and take up valuable time that could be better spent on healthier activities. Additionally, some of these products may even contain unhealthy ingredients or have side effects that can be harmful to your health in the long run.

Weight loss surgery offers the most effective long-term solution for those who struggle with obesity-related health issues or have had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone. The Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery provides comprehensive care for patients considering any type of weight loss surgery with experienced surgeons who specialize in bariatric surgery procedures such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, and revision surgeries for patients who have had previous unsuccessful bariatric surgeries  The clinic offers individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs including pre-operative evaluations and post-operative follow-up care with nutritionists who provide education on healthy eating habits after surgery. The Nicholson Clinic also offers support groups where patients can connect with others who have undergone similar procedures.

Weight loss surgery should not be a last resort; it should be considered prior to spending money on ineffective, short-term solutions. With proper research into available options such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, duodenal switch, or revision surgeries, you may find a solution that works best for you. Experienced medical teams such as those at Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery provide comprehensive care throughout your journey towards improving your health.

About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, Gastric Balloon, LAP-BAND removal and Revisions.

Plano, TX – The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recently issued a warning that patients taking popular medications for diabetes and weight loss should stop taking them a week before elective surgery. This is due to the risk that these medications can increase the chance of regurgitating food during an operation, even if they have fasted as directed. Vomiting under anesthesia can cause food and stomach acid to get into the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia and other problems after surgery.

The medications in question are those used to treat type 2 diabetes such as liraglutide (Victoza), exenatide (Byetta) and semaglutide (Ozempic), as well as those used for weight loss such as phentermine/topiramate (Qsymia) and lorcaserin (Belviq). These drugs are known to slow down gastric emptying, which means that food remains in the stomach longer than normal. This can lead to severe gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents into the small intestine. As a result, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, or abdominal pain after eating.

Dr. Nick Nicholson with the Nicholson Clinic for Weight Loss Surgery in Plano Texas commented on the importance of stopping these medications prior to elective surgery: “It is essential that patients stop taking these medications at least one week before surgery so that they can minimize any potential risks associated with gastroparesis or aspiration during the operation itself.”

For those looking for long-term solutions to obesity or diabetes management, Dr. Nicholson recommends considering weight loss surgery such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, or duodenal switch procedures. “These surgeries are safe and effective ways to help patients achieve their desired weight loss goals while also reducing their risk of diabetes, and their risk of diabetes related complications, such as heart disease, stroke or even early death.”

These weight loss surgery options help reduce hunger while restricting how much food you eat by reducing your stomach size or rerouting your digestive system so some calories aren’t absorbed by your body—all of which have been shown to be safe and effective in helping people achieve significant weight loss with minimal side effects. At Nicholson Clinic, we are dedicated to helping people reach their weight loss objectives while improving their overall health with proven bariatric procedures tailored specifically to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Nicholson adds: “Bariatric surgery is an excellent option for those looking for long-term weight loss solutions as it helps people lose more than just excess fat – it also entails a change to their lifestyle habits, so they don’t regain the weight they lost over time.”

If you are considering elective surgery and are currently taking any medication related to diabetes or weight loss, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor before proceeding with any procedure. For more information about bariatric surgery options available at the Nicholson Clinic in Plano Texas visit www.nicholsonclinic.com or call 972-494-3100 today!

About Nicholson Clinic
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, physician assistants, and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Duodenal Switch, Gastric Balloon, LAP-BAND removal and Revisions.