Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic are medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, is an injectable prescription medication that helps with weight management by reducing appetite. Ozempic, on the other hand, is the version used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Both medications belong to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonists and work by mimicking the effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone in the body. They can be administered via subcutaneous injections.
It’s important to note that these medications have specific indications and contraindications, and their usage should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Only a qualified healthcare provider can determine the appropriate treatment plan based on your health condition and medical history.
One of the side effects of these medications is delayed gastric emptying. That means food can stay in your stomach longer. This is important for surgery because patients are required not to eat for a certain amount of time before surgery. The reason patients are told not to eat is to make sure the stomach is generally empty upon administering anesthesia so you don’t throw up. Vomiting during surgery can have dangerous life threatening consequences. If food stays in your stomach longer on these medications, not eating for the normal time period may not be safe or effective.
In order to minimize the risk during surgery, it is recommended not to take these medications for at least 7 days before surgery. Generally, this means you should skip one dose before an elective procedure. Normally, you should be able to restart the medication relatively quickly after surgery.
For the full recommendations look here. If you have more questions please talk to your doctor. You have a whole team working together to make sure you have the best outcome possible.