While weight-loss drugs and injectables can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and tolerance for side effects of these medications is still being researched.  Medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro can be effective weight-loss tools, but it's important to be aware of potential side effects and monitor your health closely throughout your weight-loss journey. 

Below are common side effects that patients should watch for and discuss with their doctor.

1. Gastrointestinal Issues:

Many weight-loss drugs and injectables alter the hormones involved in the function of the intestinal tract, as well as the communication with the hunger and fullness portion of the brain.  The trade-off with these medications is that they can lead to side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may even discourage patients from continuing with their weight-loss plan. 

It's essential to communicate any persistent gastrointestinal issues such as severe abdominal pain with your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment plan if necessary.

2. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:

Certain weight-loss drugs and injectables can affect your cardiovascular system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure can pose significant health risks if left unmonitored, such as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular blood pressure checks are essential for individuals taking these medications to ensure their safety.

3. Mood Changes and Anxiety:

Weight-loss drugs that affect neurotransmitters in the brain can sometimes lead to mood changes, including feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression. Patients should be vigilant in monitoring their emotional well-being while on these medications and report any concerning mood changes to their healthcare provider.

4. Thyroid Health:

Certain weight-loss medications may affect the thyroid. If there is a development of a new thyroid nodule or pain at the level of the thyroid gland in the neck, it needs to be addressed with your doctor.

Valuable Tool

Weight-loss drugs and injectables can be valuable tools to use towards your weight-loss goals, but patients should stay in close communication with their healthcare providers throughout their weight-loss journey. Monitoring your health and well-being is crucial to ensure that the benefits of these medications outweigh the risks, ultimately leading to a healthier and happier you.

“One of the main features of New York Bariatric Group’s medical weight loss program is that it offers a holistic approach to patients struggling with obesity” says Dr. Leon Katz, Director of Medical Weight Loss at New York Bariatric Group. “Our team of doctors and nutritionists can get you the best care with a comprehensive approach to medical weight loss.”

New York Bariatric Group: Weight Loss Leader 

New York Bariatric Group’s doctor-supervised medical weight loss program is committed to patient safety and well-being. Patients benefit from regular monitoring and follow-up appointments. This ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and any changes in their health status. It ensures that the weight loss journey is personalized and optimized for each individual, leading to more effective outcomes.

New York Bariatric Group is a leader in long-term weight-loss solutions. Their bariatric practice is the best around and they have the numbers to prove it:

  • Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
  • 36,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
  • The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
  • Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
  • 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
  • Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
  • Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!

All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.

Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!

New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.

We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.


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Side Effects of Weight-Loss Drugs and Injectables to Watch For

Thomas

lost 145lbs

Thomas' success story

I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

Listen to Thomas’ testimonial

Nicole

lost 76lbs

Nicole's success story

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

Listen to Nicole’s testimonial

Robert

lost 76lbs

Robert's success story

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

Listen to Robert’s testimonial

Samantha

lost 92lbs

Samantha's success story

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

Listen to Samantha’s testimonial

Eileen

lost 99lbs

Eileen's success story

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

Listen to Eileen’s testimonial

Brittany

lost 126lbs

Brittany's success story

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

Listen to Brittany’s testimonial

Desiree

lost 157lbs

Desiree's success story

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.

Listen to Desiree’s testimonial

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