Are Weight Loss Pills And Injections Better Than Surgery?
If you are significantly over weight and have been unsuccessful with traditional methods of weight loss, weight loss surgery may help. However, these surgeries aren’t magic cures and can have major impacts on your life. Before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure, it is important to consider the pros and cons and to consult with your doctor.
Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery is sometimes offered to people who are obese and have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. You usually need to have a BMI of 40 or more and/or have obesity related diseases like type 2 diabetes. The main types of weight loss surgery are:
- Gastric band
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastrectomy
- Gastric band: A band is put around your stomach, causing you to feel fuller with less food.
- Gastric bypass: The top of your stomach is attached to the small intestine which helps you feel fuller faster and stops you from absorbing as many calories from food.
- Sleeve gastrectomy: If a portion of your stomach is removed, your capacity for food intake decreases, which can assist in managing portion sizes and potentially aid in weight loss.
After a few years, patients may have significant weight loss as long as they follow the recommended lifestyle changes.
Long-term Complications and Side Effects of Surgery
Life after weight loss surgery requires a permanent commitment to certain lifestyle changes to ensure you keep the weight off and stay healthy. You will need to eat a balanced diet, exercise often, and check in with your doctor regularly.
For the first few weeks after surgery, you can only have a liquid or soft food diet. You also will be advised to not become pregnant for up to 18 months. Additionally, you are at risk of post-op infection and developing chronic acid reflux, and may be left with excess folds of skin.
More serious complications include:
- Malnutrition from not absorbing enough vitamins and minerals
- Gallstones
- Blood clots
- The bands or sleeves slipping out of place
- Intestinal blockages or leaks
Weight Loss Pills and Medications
There are less invasive medical options to help you lose weight. When used alongside a healthy lifestyle, these options have had proven effects for weight loss.
- Orlistat/Xenical Capsules: These block some of the fat you eat from being absorbed by your body.
- Saxenda Injection Pens: Saxenda makes you feel fuller faster which prevents overeating.
You can buy Orlistat/Xenical Capsules, Saxenda Injection Pens, and other weight loss medications online in the UK from us.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925