Author: Leslie Toldo
Mary Mack’s doctor put her on Ozempic for her type 2 diabetes. The injectable drug is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) inhibitor. While GLP-1 inhibitors have become popular weight loss tools for thousands of people over the last couple of years, Mary’s results were beyond disappointing.
“I didn’t lose much weight, only about 20 pounds over a year and a half,” Mary said. “I eventually developed severe digestive issues.”
GLP-1 inhibitor patients have reported constipation, nausea, vomiting, and even more serious side effects, like pancreatitis.
“My family doctor decided to switch me to another diabetes drug, called Mounjaro,” Mary said.
Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is FDA approved to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Both drugs can cause weight loss, but Mounjaro works a little differently than a GLP-1 inhibitor. It is dual- action- both a GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptor inhibitor.
“I lost another 15 pounds, but eventually the weight loss stopped,” Mary said. “My endocrinologist was concerned about upping the dose because of the digestive issues I had with the Ozempic.”
Type 2 diabetes was not the only weight-related health issue plaguing Mary. She was also living with chronic pain in both knees.
“For 14 years I suffered with the pain, and my doctors told me they could not operate on my knees until I lost weight,” Mary said.
Everything finally came to a head after a heart attack scare. It turned out to be a false alarm, but it was the wake-up call Mary needed.
“Both the cardiologist and my family doctor told me I would have a heart attack if I didn’t get my weight under control.” Mary said.
After taking a long, hard look at her life and health, Mary made an appointment at the McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute. She was hopeful bariatric surgery would be her lifeline.
“The reality is, GLP-1s and other injectables are not going to be the answer for everyone battling diabetes and obesity,” said the institute’s Medical Director Dr. Michael Kia. “From what we have seen so far, bariatric surgery patients typically lose 25 to 30 percent of their body weight. Patients using the injections, lose closer to 10 to 20 percent. Also, where bariatric surgery is a one-time procedure, the shots require ongoing use to maintain weight loss. “
Bariatric surgery is not a simple option. Patients must take specific steps leading up to and after surgery. Nutrition and psychological counseling are key components of the process.
“The counseling helped me understand why I overeat,” Mary said. “I also got different tips about what to do when I want to overeat. It helped me look at myself deep within and made me think before eating.”
Mary had struggled with her weight since high school. At her heaviest, she was up to 328 pounds. She lost 50 before having surgery in April 2024, and now she is down to 195- a healthy weight for knee surgery.
“If it wasn’t for this bariatric surgery, I wouldn’t have been able to have knee surgery in November,” Mary said. “I am also recovering quite well, and I think it’s because I don’t have all that excess weight.“
Physical therapy is going to be a big part of Mary’s exercise regimen while she recovers, but she has big plans to stay on track once that’s over.
“This year I am going to try to do a 5K. Weight loss surgery has changed my life mentally and physically,” Mary said. “I am eating healthier. Sometimes I fall off, but I get right back on track. I feel like I can continue that in the future.”
The future for Mary and her overall health is looking bright.
“Dr. Kia took me off Mounjaro a month before surgery, and I haven’t been on diabetes meds since the operation,” Mary said. “I am still taking some of the other drugs I took before, but at lower doses, and my cholesterol has come way down.”
If you are interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, click here, or call the McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute at (810) 342-5470.