Weight Loss Options

Social media has been buzzing about using the diabetes medication, Ozempic®, for weight loss. The demand for Ozempic is so high it’s created a drug shortage for people who need it most.

While social media promises Ozempic is an easy fix, most people will regain the weight after stopping the drug.

“Weight loss is hard work,” says bariatric surgeon James Lau, MD. “We offer medical and surgical weight loss options. But they are part of a larger program to help you keep the weight off through diet and exercise.”

Is medical or surgical weight loss right for me?

Before entering a medical or surgical weight loss program, it’s important to understand your motivation for losing weight. Is excess weight contributing to a medical condition or causing self-esteem issues? Do you have social reasons for pursuing weight loss?

“Some people come to us because their doctor told them to,” says Dr. Lau. “That may not be enough to succeed. Without a personal objective, you may find it hard to put in the work needed to reach your weight loss goal.”

When to consider bariatric surgery

Meet bariatric surgeon James Lau, MD.

Is losing weight covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage for weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) and medical weight loss varies. When an insurer covers weight loss treatment, it’s often with exceptions. For example, Medicare doesn’t cover anti-obesity medications but does cover bariatric surgery if you:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, or 35 or more and a related health condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Have previously tried to lose weight through diet or exercise without success

Some insurers will require six to 12 months of medical weight loss before approving bariatric surgery. Check with your insurance company to understand:

• What they cover and their coverage requirements
• How much you will have to pay out-of-pocket

How to get started with weight loss

The first steps Loyola's medical or surgical weight loss program include:

• Intake: You provide us with your personal, family and medical history and weight loss goals.
• Insurance verification: Our team verifies your insurance coverage.
• Seminar: You attend an informational session to help you understand the process and what to expect.
• Team meetings: You meet with a registered dietitian, psychologist and advanced practice provider. Depending on the type of weight loss you’re interested in, you also meet with a surgeon or medical specialist.
• Medical tests: Your provider orders lab, imaging and other tests, as needed.

“Based on your weight loss goals and insurance requirements, we work with you to develop a treatment pathway,” says Dr. Lau.

What is medical weight loss?

Medical weight loss is a physician-supervised program, with or without medications, that typically includes:

• Advice on diet and exercise
• Psychological support
• Monthly visits to track progress

“Insurance coverage may limit your medication options,” says Dr. Lau. “Insurance companies don’t always cover weight loss medications, even those approved by the Food and Drug Administration. For a drug like Ozempic, most people have to pay out-of-pocket unless they have diabetes.”

Bariatric surgery options

The two main types of weight loss surgery include:

• Sleeve gastrectomy: This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the stomach to reduce its size. It is the most common type of bariatric surgery and has the lowest complication rates. Weight loss is more variable with sleeve gastrectomy. You can expect to lose 40% to 60% of excess weight in one to two years.
• Gastric bypass surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon reroutes the small intestine to bypass most of the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch. It has a higher risk of lifetime complications than sleeve gastrectomy, however weight loss is more reliable. You can expect to lose about 80% of excess weight in one to two years.

At Loyola Medicine, surgeons perform sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic surgery. These advanced approaches use small incisions, which speeds recovery and reduces pain. With a sleeve gastrectomy, patients usually go home the next day.

Both types of surgery help reduce hunger for about one to two years, allowing you to lose weight. After that, your hunger returns. “The long-term success of bariatric surgery depends on the drive of the patient,” says Dr. Lau. “If they see value in the changes they’ve experienced and continue their diet and exercise, they can keep the weight off.”

Get help losing weight at Loyola Medicine 

Loyola Medicine’s Center for Metabolic Surgery & Bariatric Care is a comprehensive weight loss program. Our designation as a Comprehensive Center by the American College of Surgeons reflects our commitment to quality improvement and patient care.

At Loyola Medicine, you receive care from an experienced team of surgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers, psychologists and registered dietitians. Our core weight loss team includes:

• James Lau, MD — Bariatric Surgeon
• Tyler Cohn, MD — Bariatric Surgeon
• Monica Edwards, MD, MPH — Bariatrician
• Elisabeth Miwa, APRN — Medical Weight Loss Provider

As an academic medical center, we participate in innovative research to advance the field of medical and surgical weight loss. Current studies are investigating new weight loss medications and surgical techniques, and how to better manage postoperative pain without narcotics.

We also provide care to patients other programs don’t accept, such as those with high weights or other health conditions. Our surgeons perform complex bariatric procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy-to-gastric bypass conversion surgery. They also serve the community by treating complications that occur from surgeries performed around the Chicago area.

The Loyola Center for Metabolic Surgery & Bariatric Care is in Melrose Park. To make an appointment, call 888-584-7888 or schedule an appointment online.

James Lau, MD, is a board-certified surgeon at Loyola Medicine, specializing in gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery. Dr. Lau received his medical degree from the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine and completed his residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Dr. Lau enjoys the team-based approach of bariatric care and works closely with his colleagues to help patients reach their weight-loss goals. His passion is providing education and ensuring patients are fully involved in their care.

Book an appointment today to see Dr. Lau or another weight loss specialist by self-scheduling an in-person or virtual appointment using myLoyola.