Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 8: As weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, and others) gain global popularity, many patients are left wondering: Are pills enough, or is bariatric surgery still relevant? With obesity now officially classified as a chronic disease by major health organizations, it’s no longer about quick fixes—it’s about long-term, sustainable care. Amid the rising tide of obesity management medications (OMMs), Dr. Harsh Sheth explores why surgery remains essential for lasting results and total metabolic recovery.
A highly regarded Bariatric Surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Harsh Sheth has over a decade of experience in minimally invasive and advanced laparoscopic surgery. He consults at leading institutions including Saifee Hospital, Apollo Spectra (Tardeo), Genèse Clinic, and more. With training from Stanford University and AIIMS Delhi, he specializes in comprehensive obesity treatment, and firmly advocates for a balanced, evidence-based approach. “Weight loss drugs may offer a jumpstart, but for long-term remission of obesity and its related conditions, surgery remains the gold standard,” he says.
While medications can assist in initial weight reduction, Dr. Harsh Sheth explains that they are not curative. Most patients regain weight once the drug is stopped, unless continued indefinitely—a solution that may not be financially or medically viable. Bariatric surgery, on the other hand, not only delivers sustained weight loss but also leads to significant improvement or complete resolution of type 2 diabetes, PCOS, fatty liver disease, and hypertension. Unlike drugs, surgery actively resets metabolic pathways, reduces hunger hormones, and promotes long-term satiety.
Dr. Sheth has performed hundreds of bariatric procedures ranging from sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass to revision surgeries and abdominal wall reconstructions. He follows international safety protocols and tailors treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs. According to global studies, bariatric surgery results in 60–80% excess weight loss within 12–18 months, and helps maintain that reduction for decades—a level of durability unmatched by any current medication.
“Many patients come to me after trying medications for months, sometimes years, only to find themselves back at square one,” Dr. Sheth adds. “Bariatric surgery is not about vanity—it’s about reclaiming quality of life, reversing chronic illnesses, and increasing longevity.” With the latest advancements in laparoscopic techniques, most surgeries are now performed through small keyhole incisions, resulting in minimal pain, shorter hospital stays, and rapid recovery.
One of Dr. Sheth’s recent patients, a 39-year-old woman with uncontrolled diabetes and a BMI of 41, had initially responded to weight loss injections but discontinued them due to intolerable gastrointestinal side effects. After undergoing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy under Dr. Sheth’s care, she lost 34 kg in 9 months, normalized her blood sugar levels, and stopped all diabetic medications. “She’s now healthier, more confident, and doesn’t rely on daily injections or pills. That’s the kind of transformation surgery can bring,” he notes.
While medications and surgery are often framed as opposing choices, Dr. Sheth envisions a future of synergy—where drugs may complement surgery in selected high-risk patients. However, he cautions against viewing medications as a standalone cure. “Obesity is a chronic disease with physical, metabolic, and psychological dimensions. Surgery addresses all of them in a way that no pill can. We must treat the root cause, not just the number on the scale,” he explains.
Through ongoing education efforts, clinical research, and patient advocacy, Dr. Sheth continues to push for greater awareness around safe, long-term obesity management. His mission is to dismantle myths, reduce stigma, and empower individuals with the tools to make informed decisions. He works closely with nutritionists, psychologists, and primary care physicians to ensure every patient receives holistic support before and after surgery.
In a world flooded with fads, fast fixes, and social media trends, Dr. Harsh Sheth remains a steadfast advocate for science, ethics, and compassionate care. For anyone struggling with obesity or obesity-related complications, he offers more than a procedure—he offers a permanent path to better health.
To learn more about bariatric surgery and whether it's the right choice for you, visit the official page: Best Bariatric Surgeon in Mumbai | Dr Harsh Sheth
Dr. Harsh Sheth
Genèse Clinic, G-14/15, 8th Floor, Everest Building, Tardeo Rd, Janata Nagar, Tardeo, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400034