I like to say we live in a world we could have only dreamt about a decade ago. Every day it seems there are new announcements in weight loss treatment.

A complex system of hormones regulates appetite: some made in the stomach increase it, others made in the pancreas decrease it, and these interact with hormones made in the lining of the small bowel, colon, gallbladder, and fat cells that fine-tune your appetite. These hormones did a great job regulating weight for centuries. The imbalance started with changes to our food. Many foods are highly processed, calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, easily accessible, and appeal more to your tastebuds. Our bodies are not designed to handle these as well as food found in nature. As a result, we gain weight. Excess weight can affect nearly every organ. Issues like diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea have surged.

Here is the exciting part: we have highly effective tools to combat the modern food environment. These tools can help you regain control over your health. Weight loss surgery can dramatically decrease appetite and portion sizes. The complication rate for the gastric sleeve is less than 1%. You are often able to return to work in a week. It can reverse diabetes 70% of the time, decrease heart disease by half, and decrease some cancer risks by 30%. It can literally give you your life back, and that is why I became a bariatric surgeon 25 years ago.

We also have multiple new medications that mimic the “Slow down, we are full!” hormones made in your body. We adjust dosing to help control your appetite. Total weight loss with medications is slightly less than surgery, but still dramatically decreases the same health issues. Just this month, a new oral version of Wegovy (semaglutide) will be available. (Read below for more info.)

There are risks and potential side effects, but the health risks associated with obesity are significantly higher than not taking action. In a time when millions are struggling with chronic diseases associated with obesity, it is exciting to have so many effective treatments. At IWLS, we know there is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and we help guide you through the process.

Humans have been making New Year’s resolutions since the beginning of time. We see the new year as a good time to make a fresh start. We also have miniature versions of this: Mondays, the start of a month, a milestone birthday. Resolutions can help to recommit intentions for health, if we make the effort to design one that is right for us.

The problem with many resolutions is basing them on notions of what we think we need to do to be “better”: eat better, exercise more, sleep better, be a better parent, friend, partner. Resolutions often don’t have a clear plan of action. There is too much focus on the result (weight loss) instead of the habits required to get the result (e.g., water, food tracking, movement, etc). It’s no wonder weight loss is so complex!

I’m not saying to ditch resolutions or goals. They help us move forward, especially if we take advantage of the research and knowledge to be successful*. To make your resolution stick, try these tips:

Be specific: Instead of a goal like “eat better,” try “start the day with a protein-rich breakfast” or “find an alternative drink to sugary soda.” Then decide how to set up and measure success, such as using a habit tracker, food journal, or planning meals.

Make it easy: If a habit is easy to start, it is more likely to be successful. Let’s use the breakfast habit as an example: create a list of 3-5 protein-rich breakfasts. Rotate them week-to-week so you don’t have to make a decision each day. Prep ahead of time as able.

Leave room for imperfection: Avoid the trap of “all or nothing” thinking. We make better progress with long-term patterns, not streaks. Create a habit that consistently works for you, and maybe have a donut for breakfast every now and then, rather than a “perfect” streak of 30 days and then abandoning the habit because it’s unsustainable.

So, if it helps to set a goal aligned with the fresh start of a new year, create a specific, easy, and sustainable resolution. Good news: we are here to help you at every step of the way. Happy New Year!



*Recommendations for successful habit change:

Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s important to recognize long-term success requires ongoing support and individualized care. For some patients, weight loss medications can play a valuable role after surgery – whether to overcome a plateau, support weight maintenance, or address weight regain.

Today, we have more options than ever before. Medications can allow for more personalized dosing, improved tolerability, and better alignment with each patient’s unique physiology and surgical history. When used thoughtfully and under medical supervision, these therapies can safely complement bariatric surgery and help patients achieve their health goals.

At IWLS, our approach is always collaborative. We evaluate each patient individually to determine whether medication may be an appropriate addition to their post-surgical care plan, with a focus on safety, sustainability, and long-term success.



If you are a post-surgery patient and curious about what medication options might be right for you, reach out today.

Novo Nordisk has announced an FDA-approved Wegovy pill. It is the first oral GLP-1 medicine for the treatment of adults with obesity, or overweight with weight-related medical problems. The pill’s efficacy and side effects are similar to the Wegovy injection.

The Wegovy pill should be taken daily, in the morning, on an empty stomach with 4 ounces water. No other beverages, food, or medication should be taken for 30 minutes after.

Area pharmacies are hoping to have it in stock over the next couple of weeks. Many insurance plans haven’t added this version of Wegovy to formularies yet. We encourage interested patients to reach out to their insurance provider for coverage details.



The manufacturer Novo Nordisk offers savings opportunities on their website for as little as $25/month for commercially insured patients. Self-pay patients can purchase the starting dose of 1.5 mg at $149/month. The 4 mg dose will also be available for $149/month through April 15, 2026, then $199/month after. The highest doses will be available for $299/month.