In 2025, achieving major weight loss today is no longer just about lifestyle changes and willpower. It’s about choosing between powerful tools like GLP-1 medications and surgery. And with more options than ever, people aren’t just asking, “Which one is right for me?”—they’re also asking, “What actually works?”

That’s the real question: What’s going to help you lose the weight—and keep it off? What’s safe? What’s fast? What’s worth the time, money, and effort?

Between the growing popularity of medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® and the proven track record of bariatric surgery, it’s easy to feel unsure about the best path toward sustainable, long-term weight loss and better overall health. But understanding how these treatments compare can help guide you to taking the next step on your journey.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 medications have been making headlines—and for good reason. Originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes, these drugs also help people lose a significant amount of weight.

They work by helping you feel full faster and stay full longer. Some of the most well-known medications—like Ozempic® and Wegovy®—can help people lose about 15–20% of their body weight.

That’s an exciting option for many people. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

• They only work as long as you take them. Once you stop, the weight sometimes comes back.

  • Weight regain after stopping GLP-1s is influenced by other factors, not just medication discontinuation (STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial)

• They can be expensive. Not all insurance plans cover them.

• Side effects like nausea, constipation, vomiting, or fatigue are common for some users.

  • A 2024 clinical review published in Obesity Pillars found that in addition to the common gastrointestinal side effects, some users experienced rare, serious adverse events, including gallbladder disorders and acute pancreatitis. (Ghusn, W., & Hurtado, M. D. (2024))

What About Weight Loss Surgery?

Bariatric surgery—like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass—has been helping people achieve lasting weight loss for decades. It works by changing the way your digestive system handles food, often leading to:

• 25–30% total body weight loss, but results vary by procedure (e.g., sleeve vs. bypass) and by individual factors like starting weight and health history. It is also important to note that long-term weight loss success depends heavily on the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes and adherence to follow-up care. 

• Improvements or even remission in conditions like type-2 diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and sleep apnea

• Many patients keep a significant amount of weight off 10 years or more when they adhere to follow-up care and lifestyle changes. Bariatric surgery isn’t an instant solution for weight management; it’s a powerful tool that has been shown to help individuals improve their long-term health outcomes.
  

These procedures are safe—modern weight loss surgery has risks similar to other common surgeries, like gallbladder removal. In 2022 alone, more than 280,000 people in the U.S. chose surgery to improve their health and quality of life [ASMBS, 2024].

Why Are Fewer People Choosing Surgery Now?

With all the excitement around GLP-1s, it’s no surprise that fewer people are turning to surgery. These medications seem simpler—no operating room, no downtime, no big changes right away.

But here’s what many people don’t realize:

Surgery is still more effective in the long run, especially when it comes to keeping the weight off and improving your overall health.

And importantly, most people don’t realize that surgery is also more cost-effective. According to the American College of Surgeons, weight loss surgery delivers better long-term value for patients by reducing the need for lifelong medication and lowering the risk of obesity-related health issues.

Can You Combine GLP-1s and Surgery?

Yes—and many patients are doing just that.

Doctors are finding that GLP-1s and surgery can work together to support long-term weight loss:

• Before surgery, medications may help reduce weight and make the procedure safer.

• After surgery, they can help manage small amounts of weight regain or give a boost during tough periods.
  
  

This combined approach is still being studied, but it’s a promising option—especially for patients who want the strongest possible results [Duke Health, 2024].

Long-term data on the effects of combining GLP-1s and bariatric surgery are still limited, and guidelines are evolving. As of 2025, post-bariatric use is off-label in many countries, including:

• United States: Off-label after surgery, though commonly used in specialist practice.

• Canada: Off-label after surgery; not formally approved for weight maintenance or weight regain post-procedure.

So… What’s the Best Approach?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most effective path depends on your:

• Health history

• Current weight

• Long-term goals

• Lifestyle and preferences
  
  

If you’ve tried losing weight on your own and are ready for something more lasting, we’re here to help you weigh all your options—with real data, not hype.

Whether that’s medication, surgery, or a combination—we’ll help you build a plan that works for you.

Let’s Talk About Your Options

At Clinique Michel Gagner, we specialize in personalized care. Our team of experts take the time to understand your unique story and guide you through your weight loss journey with compassion and science-backed strategies.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book a consultation with us today. Let’s find the path that fits your goals and your life.

References

1. American College of Surgeons.
   Bariatric Surgery Is More Cost-Effective Than Newer Weight Loss Drugs Alone.
   https://www.facs.org/media-center/press-releases/2024/bariatric-surgery-is-more-cost-effective-than-newer-weight-loss-drugs-alone

2. American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS).
   Estimate of Bariatric Surgery Numbers (2024).
   https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers

3. ASMBS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Fact Sheet (2024).
   https://asmbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MBSFactSheet2024.pdf

4. Medscape.
   Weight Loss Surgery Instead of GLP-1s? Or Are Both Best?
   https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/weight-loss-surgery-instead-glp-1s-or-are-both-best-2025a10008ol

5. Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.
   Bariatric Surgery or GLP-1s: Which Weight Loss Treatment Is Right for You?
   https://www.tmh.org/blogs/bariatric-surgery-or-glp-1s-which-weight-loss-treatment-right-you

6. Duke Health.
   GLP-1s and Weight Loss Surgery: What You Need to Know.
   https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/glp-1s-and-weight-loss-surgery-what-you-need-know

7. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 4 Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33755728/

8. Ghusn, W., & Hurtado, M. D. (2024). Glucagon-like Receptor-1 agonists for obesity: Weight loss outcomes, tolerability, side effects, and risks. Obesity pillars, 12, 100127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2024.100127