Approximately one in eight American adults report having used GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, to lose weight or manage chronic conditions. However, many individuals who discontinue these medications experience significant weight regain. Pamela Melgarejo exemplifies this trend, recounting that after stopping GLP-1 treatment, she gained back twice the weight she initially lost.
Seeking a more permanent solution, Melgarejo underwent bariatric surgery through the NYU Langone Health Weight Management Program. Following a gastric sleeve procedure in March 2025, she lost over 100 pounds within six months and has maintained her reduced weight of approximately 160 pounds for more than a year.
“I no longer crave the same things, and I can no longer consume the same amount of food,” Melgarejo said, highlighting the lasting physical changes after surgery. Her experience contrasts the temporary appetite suppression often associated with GLP-1 drugs, which primarily affect appetite by influencing brain signals.
Dr. Loic Tchokouani, Melgarejo’s surgeon, observed a shift in patient treatment trends, noting that many individuals who initially try GLP-1 therapies eventually seek surgical options after weight regain. “A majority of my patients have now tried a GLP-1, be it a sample or prescribed course, before seeing me,” he said. “Many patients are missing out on, or at least foregoing, a more effective solution to their obesity.”
Melgarejo had previously attempted various weight-loss methods, including diets, juicing, fasting pills, acupuncture, and even metformin, before reaching a weight of 267 pounds. Her doctors then introduced bariatric surgery as an option.
While the use of minimally invasive bariatric procedures expanded significantly in the 1990s, their rates have declined by up to 25% amid the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications. However, experts emphasize that surgical interventions often yield more durable results. According to Tchokouani, studies indicate that patients who discontinue GLP-1 treatments may regain up to 60% of lost weight within a year, whereas those who undergo bariatric surgery typically regain only 5% to 15% of their lowest weight over several years.
The gastric sleeve procedure performed on Melgarejo involved removing a large portion of her stomach to limit food intake and suppress hunger signals. Despite initial fears, she reported the surgery was easier to recover from than expected. Within one month, she had lost 30 pounds, and by September 2025, she had reached her target weight.
Beyond weight loss, Melgarejo said the surgery fundamentally altered how her body functions. “Even if I wanted something that is very high in carbs, or that is not so good for my health, I couldn’t eat enough that would harm me,” she explained.
The surgery also led to improvements in various health issues, including reversal of high blood pressure, correction of an irregular heartbeat, and complete resolution of fatty liver disease. She described increased physical ability, such as running and playing softball, along with reduced pain and greater overall well-being.
Dr. Tchokouani characterized bariatric surgery as “the most effective and durable tool” against obesity, a chronic disease affecting more than 40% of U.S. adults. He noted that the hormonal changes from surgery have a more substantial impact than GLP-1 medications, which require continuous use and dose escalation to maintain effectiveness.
Melgarejo encourages others to consider a range of treatment options and praised the comprehensive support provided by NYU Langone’s program. “They provided support in so many aspects that I felt comfortable risking a surgery, which I was most afraid of,” she said. Her experience underlines that weight-loss solutions are not one-size-fits-all and that individualized care can lead to sustained success.