What is the difference between an obesity medicine doctor and a bariatric surgeon?

Obesity medicine physicians and bariatric surgeons both treat obesity but use different approaches. Obesity medicine specialists are non-surgical physicians (internal medicine, family medicine, or endocrinology trained) who use medications, nutrition, exercise, and behavioral interventions. They provide ongoing medical management of obesity as a chronic disease. Bariatric surgeons perform weight loss surgeries including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric bands. Many bariatric surgery programs include obesity medicine physicians for pre-operative preparation and post-operative medical management. Some patients work with both - medical weight loss before surgery to reduce surgical risks, or medical management after surgery if weight regain occurs. Obesity medicine visits are typically covered as specialist office visits by insurance, while surgery involves facility fees, anesthesia, and hospitalization costs. Both specialists can prescribe GLP-1 medications, though surgeons may be more likely to prescribe post-operatively. For comprehensive care, look for programs offering both medical and surgical options with coordinated care between providers.