Key Takeaways
- Semaglutide is a prescription GLP-1 agonist medication that can help people with excess weight achieve weight loss.
- Some people may benefit from taking semaglutide after bariatric surgery if they are not achieving their weight loss goals or have started to regain weight.
- It’s essential to talk with your medical provider about the risks and benefits of semaglutide and to have regular monitoring if you choose to take it.
Taking semaglutide after bariatric surgery can be a helpful way to boost your weight loss if you hit a plateau or start to regain weight. However, it’s not a tool everyone should use.
Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in your body that regulates your appetite and digestion. Taking it can also help you improve your blood sugar control. It’s important to know how it works and the risks and benefits before deciding to incorporate it into your post-surgery plan.
If you are considering semaglutide, we’ve created this complete guide of evidence-based insights and practical advice on taking semaglutide after bariatric surgery.
Table of Contents
What is semaglutide, and how does it work?
Semaglutide is a prescription medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The three main medications semaglutide is found in are:
- Wegovy
- Ozempic
- Rybelsus
It was originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes but has also been approved for weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight conditions.
GLP-1 is a natural hormone in your digestive system that helps regulate your blood sugar and appetite. Semaglutide mimics this hormone by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body and triggering several beneficial effects:
- Enhanced insulin secretion: Semaglutide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when your blood sugar rises.
- Suppressed glucagon release: It reduces the release of glucagon, a hormone from your liver that increases blood sugar levels.
- Delayed gastric emptying: Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel full for longer and reducing your appetite.
For individuals post-surgery, it’s essential to maintain proper nutrient intake. Products such as bariatric vitamins and bariatric multivitamins can help fill gaps caused by reduced nutrient absorption.
Why might semaglutide be prescribed after bariatric surgery?
Healthcare professionals may consider prescribing semaglutide after bariatric surgery if you are not experiencing adequate weight loss, if you hit a plateau, or if you start to regain weight. Similarly, NSAIDs after bariatric surgery should be approached with caution due to their potential impact on the gastrointestinal tract.
In these circumstances, semaglutide can provide additional support by helping reduce your appetite, causing you to eat less, and reducing your calorie intake. Complementing this with bariatric protein shakes and bariatric snacks ensures you meet your nutritional needs.
If you have type 2 diabetes, semaglutide also offers the additional benefits of improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Is semaglutide safe to use after bariatric surgery?
Studies suggest that semaglutide is generally safe after bariatric surgery. The side effects are similar to those in non-surgical individuals. For those considering weight loss medications after bariatric surgery, it is essential to understand how they interact with your specific surgical changes.
However, just as with any other medication, it’s important that you discuss taking semaglutide with your healthcare provider. They know your medical history, the medications you are taking, and your overall health goals. Your healthcare provider can give personalized guidance on whether semaglutide is right for you.
How effective is semaglutide for weight loss after bariatric surgery?
Current research indicates that taking semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss after bariatric surgery. Several studies show a greater reduction in fat mass when semaglutide is added to the treatment plan.
The degree of weight loss varies from person to person and depends on how an individual adheres to the medication schedule, dietary habits, and overall lifestyle changes.
On average, studies show that semaglutide can help a person lose an additional 10-15% of their body weight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Are there specific risks or side effects associated with using semaglutide post-surgery?
Like all medications, semaglutide has some side effects. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
After having bariatric surgery, these side effects may be more pronounced due to the altered anatomy and smaller stomach capacity.
In rare cases, semaglutide causes more serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gall bladder issues, or severe stomach problems.
In animal studies, rodents developed thyroid cancer when taking semaglutide.
The manufacturers of semaglutide medications, Novo Nordisc, recommend that people with certain conditions do not take semaglutide or talk with their medical provider before taking it.
These include the following situations:
- You or a family member has had thyroid cancer
- You have a medication condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- You have an allergy to semaglutide or any other ingredients in the medication
- You’ve had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
- You’ve had depression or thoughts to harm yourself
- You are breastfeeding or planning to get pregnant.
If you do take semaglutide after bariatric surgery, it’s important that you do so under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Attend regular follow-up appointments for monitoring side effects and ensuring you are getting the proper nutrition.
Do I need to follow a specific diet while on semaglutide after bariatric surgery?
Yes, following a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is essential while taking semaglutide after bariatric surgery. The medication slows down your digestion causing you to feel full and have a smaller appetite. Bariatric surgery reduces how much nutrition your body can absorb.
With these changes, it is essential that the foods you eat are packed with the nutrients your body needs for overall well-being.
Here are several key dietary recommendations:
- Focus on lean proteins: Prioritize high-quality protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, and low-fat dairy. Protein is critical for maintaining muscle mass and for many functions in your body.
- Incorporate high-fiber foods: Fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes aid digestion and help reduce gastrointestinal side effects like constipation. Follow your health providers guidance on which fiber is best after bariatric surgery.
- Choose healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts butters, and olive oil, which provide sustained energy and essential nutrients.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, especially since semaglutide can slow gastric emptying. Sip water throughout the day and avoid carbonated beverages, which can cause discomfort post-surgery.
- Eat smaller, frequent meals: Post-bariatric surgery patients should continue to eat smaller portions to avoid overstretching the stomach and to accommodate semaglutide’s appetite-suppressing effects.
It’s a great idea to work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized eating plan that aligns with your nutritional needs and preferences. A registered dietitian can help ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs while helping you meet your weight loss goals.
Can semaglutide interfere with nutrient absorption post-surgery?
Semaglutide does not alter nutrient absorption, but certain bariatric surgeries can. However, semaglutide does delay gastric emptying, which can cause you to not be hungry and reduce your nutrient intake.
After bariatric surgery, it is important to take the necessary steps to meet your nutritional needs.
Bari Life has a bariatric multivitamin that can help ensure you are getting your essential nutrients.
Just One multivitamin contains all the daily amounts of nutrients the ASMBS recommends plus 45mg of iron. The simplicity of taking one vitamin a day makes it easy to stick to a regular schedule to boost your nutrition.
Conclusion
Semaglutide can be a valuable tool after bariatric surgery if you experience weight regain, are not losing enough weight, or you’ve stopped losing weight.
By reducing your appetite and regulating your blood sugar control, semaglutide offers several benefits beyond weight loss.
However, it’s essential to take this medication under the supervision of a medical provider to monitor side effects and your nutritional needs.
Combining semaglutide with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and professional guidance can help you achieve long-term success in your weight loss and health goals.
If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:
- Ozempic after Bariatric Surgery
- What Can Bariatric Patients Take for Upset Stomach?
- What Can I Take For a Headache after Bariatric Surgery?
- What Can a Bariatric Patient Take for Constipation?
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?