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Gastric Sleeve Surgery vs. Ozempic

Comparing Gastric Sleeve Surgery and Semaglutide Injections

Weighing Your Options for Lasting Weight Loss

When it comes to sustainable weight loss, there are different options to choose from, including medical treatments and surgery. Two common choices are gastric sleeve surgery and Ozempic (semaglutide), an injectable weight loss medication.

While both help with weight loss and health improvement, they work in different ways. This comparison breaks down the differences in effectiveness, results, cost, and lifestyle changes to help you decide which is best for you.

What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Gastric sleeve surgery is a weight-loss procedure where a large part of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach. This reduces how much food you can eat and helps you feel full faster. It also changes some hormones that control hunger, making it easier to lose weight.

What is Ozempic®?

Ozempic® is a Semaglutide medication originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has recently gained popularity as a weight loss treatment, due to its ability to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Semaglutide is administered via a once-weekly injection under the brand name Wegovy® and Ozempic®.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery vs. Ozempic

Weight Loss Tools: What you need to consider

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery

Surgical procedure removing about 80% of the stomach

One-time procedure. Permanent

Reduces stomach size, limiting food intake and affecting hunger hormones

Typically 60-70% of excess body weight lost within 12-18 months

Immediate and significant weight loss begins within weeks

Resolves or improves conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea

Best for individuals with a BMI ≥35 or ≥30 with comorbidities; those seeking permanent weight loss solution

Long-term results, especially with adherence to post-op lifestyle changes

Higher upfront cost, but often more cost-effective long-term

6 Years of Comprehensive Aftercare at 360 Sleeve, featuring personalized surgeon follow-ups, dedicated dietitian guidance, cognitive-eating coaching, and more.

Ozempic ®

Semaglutide Injection

Injectable medication that mimics GLP-1 hormone

Self-administered weekly injection

Slows digestion, increases feelings of fullness, and helps reduce calorie intake

10-15% of body weight lost within 6-12 months (depending on dosage and patient adherence)

Gradual weight loss over several months

Improves blood sugar control, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients

Typically prescribed for those with a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities, non-surgical option for weight loss

Requires continued use; weight may return if medication is discontinued

Lower initial cost, but long-term use can add up financially

No Aftercare Support

Why Gastric Sleeve Surgery Is a Better
Long-Term Solution Than Ozempic

1. Permanent Solution
Gastric sleeve surgery is a one-time procedure that permanently reduces your stomach size, helping you eat less. In contrast, Ozempic requires ongoing use — stop the medication, and the weight may come back.

2. More Weight Loss
With gastric sleeve surgery, patients typically lose 60-70% of their excess weight, while Ozempic usually leads to around 10-15% weight loss. The surgery offers more substantial results.

3. Improves Health Conditions
Gastric sleeve surgery can significantly improve or resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. While Ozempic helps control blood sugar, it may not have as broad an impact on health issues.

4. One Procedure vs. Lifelong Medication
Gastric sleeve surgery is a one-time cost, whereas Ozempic requires ongoing injections, which can become costly over time.

5. Lifestyle and Support
Our 360 Sleeve program offer long-term support through coaching, dietitians, and peer groups, helping you maintain your weight loss. Ozempic doesn’t typically come with this level of support.

6. No Long-Term Medications
Gastric sleeve patients don’t rely on long-term medications, while Ozempic users need to stay on the drug to maintain results.

7. Better Control Over Weight Regain
Gastric sleeve surgery provides lasting appetite control, making it less likely for you to regain weight, while Ozempic’s effects are temporary and depend on continued use.

In short, gastric sleeve surgery is a more permanent, effective solution for long-term weight loss and overall health improvement.

Which Option Is Right for You?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to Gastric Sleeve Surgery vs. Ozempic ® (semaglutide injections) for weight loss. Both methods are successful weight-loss tools that work best in conjunction with lifestyle and diet changes. However, depending on individual factors and weight loss goals, one may be more suitable than the other.

Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a bariatric surgeon is key for effective weight loss. They can guide you on the best approach to reach your health goals.

To learn more about Gastric Sleeve Surgery, book a free consultation with us at 360 Sleeve.

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