Weight Management at OhioHealth

Achieve Your Best Weight With Us

At OhioHealth, our weight management program offers medical and surgical options to help you lose weight effectively and safely. We take a holistic approach to weight loss, giving you the support you need before, during and after your treatment to help you maintain a healthy weight for life.

Enhancing Our Weight Management Program

Our weight management program goes beyond the excellent work we do in the operating room. What makes our program truly unique is our hands on approach for every step of your journey. Our world-class team of expert surgeons, weight management physicians, psychologists and dietitians work to thoroughly educate you on all of the paths and tools to achieve your weight loss goals.

One of these tools includes GLP-1 medications, which have recently risen in popularity through the positive results achieved by many individuals. We have incorporated GLP-1 medications into our program to further enhance the services we provide to our patients. Recommendations regarding GLP-1s are based on a customized case-by-case approach, however we have included some FAQs to help guide your thoughts as you embark on your weight loss journey.

Do we prescribe GLP-1s in medical weight management or surgical weight management?: Yes, GLP-1 medications are used in both medical and surgical weight management. They are a primary tool for weight loss in medical management and are increasingly used in surgical management, both before and after bariatric surgery, especially for weight regain or reaching goal weight. All three surgeons incorporate them at different stages of care.
How does our surgical program work with patients on GLP-1 medication?: Our surgical program takes a hands-on approach, with surgeons directly involved in both the medical and surgical care of patients. Over half of our preoperative patients are on GLP-1 medications. If the medications are effective, patients can continue using them. The only strict guideline is that patients must stop GLP-1 medications 7 to 10 days before surgery.
What is our current recommendation regarding patients taking GLP-1 medication before and after weight loss surgery?: Our current recommendation is that patients taking GLP-1 medication before weight loss surgery can continue using it if it's effective for them. However, GLP-1 medications should be stopped 7 to 10 days prior to surgery.
Can patients taking GLP-1 medication before weight loss surgery reduce their risk for complications?: Yes, weight loss before surgery, especially for patients with higher BMIs, reduces complication risks. It improves surgical ease, helps control blood sugar, and provides reserves for potential complications, making the procedure safer overall.
How does our program enhance weight loss for GLP-1 patients?: The Ohio Health bariatric program enhances weight loss for patients on GLP-1 medications through a hands-on, comprehensive approach. Surgeons are directly involved in patient care, and the program includes ongoing education and frequent visits with the care team, including dietitians. This ensures continuous support, focusing on diet, goals, and addressing challenges, rather than just prescribing the medication.
When should GLP-1 patients consider SWM?: GLP-1 patients should consider surgical weight management when they realize that, while GLP-1 medications can help with weight loss, they may not be enough to reach their health goals. Surgery may be a viable option for patients who find the medications inadequate. It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to explore both options in parallel and start the education process early to make informed decisions about bariatric surgery.
Do GLP-1 patients go through our program differently? If so, what are the differences?: GLP-1 patients go through the program the same as other patients, following the required steps for surgery. If transitioning from medical to surgical weight loss, they can continue on their medications. The program takes their medication history into account but otherwise follows the same process.

Tools for Successful Weight Loss

At OhioHealth Weight Management you’ll have the tools you need for success, including an understanding of how to eat right and live a healthy lifestyle. You’ll also benefit from counseling to help with the emotional aspects of changing your eating habits, and instruction on healthy and safe exercise. After you meet your goal, you’ll have ongoing support to help you maintain you healthy weight.

Individualized Programs

We understand that each person has a different path to his or her ideal weight, and we design a program to fit your individual needs. It will be flexible enough that you can maintain a weight loss diet, and include the support you need to do well with either our medical or surgical program.

We take the time to learn about your life, so we can provide the personalized resources, knowledge and encouragement you need for success. Both our weight management programs include physicians, dietitians and psychologists who meet individually with you throughout your weight-loss journey.