I’ve been consulting with a bariatric expert regarding semaglutide for weight management. I’m currently 120kg and traditional methods like diet and exercise haven’t been working. She insisted that no matter the dosage of Ozempic or Mounjaro, I won’t lose more than 15% of my weight. She really wants me to consider bariatric surgery, but that idea terrifies me. Has anyone else found this to be true? Is there really a limit around 15-18%? Even that would be helpful, but I’m curious. Edit: Thanks for all the replies, they are very encouraging. I’m looking for a new doctor now!
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While clinical studies often show a 15% average plateau, it really depends on your commitment. I managed to drop 30% of my weight in under a year using semaglutide. I focused on a high-protein, low-fat diet and hit the gym regularly. Building sustainable habits is the real objective, with or without the medication.
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I’m down 28% so far. I haven’t even reached the maximum dosage yet and plan to talk to my doctor about increasing it this week. I’m only 10 pounds away from my target, and just 7 pounds from a healthy BMI range.
You definitely need to consult a different doctor.
I went from 210 lbs to 140 lbs, a 33% reduction. I’ve kept it off for nearly a year. I use a 1.7mg dose every other week to manage PCOS-related insulin issues. It took me about eight months to reach my goal at age 49.
I’m a 64-year-old female, 5’2", and I’ve lost 27% of my weight since early 2024. My BMI dropped from 33 to 24. I’m on a low dose of sema and tirz with zero side effects. I stick to a calorie deficit and high protein without much exercise. Why opt for surgery when these medications can do the job?
I’ve lost a quarter of my body weight in 8 months on a 1mg dose. I hit my target weight recently and think I’d keep losing if I didn’t stop. It’s better to try the medicine before undergoing a major operation. Some doctors just prefer the high fees from surgery.
I’ve lost significantly more than 15% of my starting weight. Even though it’s slower now, the progress continues. Sometimes the scale doesn’t move, but my clothes fit better and I lose inches, followed by a sudden drop in weight. My body just needs time to adjust to the changes.
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That’s completely false. I’ve lost a third of my weight. The doctor is likely just worried about losing the income from your surgery. Give the medication a shot first.
You should look for an endocrinologist instead. A surgeon is naturally going to recommend surgery, but it’s questionable to suggest such an invasive procedure before trying medication. Also, average results for drugs like tirzepatide are higher than 15%, especially for those starting at a higher weight.
It’s baffling why some medical professionals prioritize major surgery over pharmaceutical options.
The idea of a “cap” is ridiculous. I lost 59% of my weight (from 298 down to 123) and have stayed there for over a year. Your doctor is wrong—I’m now wearing a size 6!
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