Can I use Mounjaro after Bariatric Surgery?

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Sally-Anne Turner

Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery have made a significant step towards overcoming their chronic obesity. They've made a positive step already as they move closer to the goal of living a healthier lifestyle. However, even with bariatric surgeries, it’s common to experience a stall in progress or weight regain – that's a fact seen in many scientific studies. Whether it’s a gastric bypass, gastric banding (lap band), and gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy), anyone can experience weight regain as their effects start to wear off.

Luckily, there is alternative support available to maintain or enhance a weight loss journey. Mounjaro has been recognised as a potential complementary treatment option in the years following bariatric surgery, but it's natural to consider the safety and effectiveness of these medications.

At Bodyline, our team of experienced weight health professionals have worked with men and women at every stage of their weight loss journey, whether they're at the very start or coming to us after bariatric surgery.

If you're considering your options after your own bariatric surgery experience and thinking about using weight loss injections like Mounjaro, don't hesitate to get in touch by calling us on 0800 995 6036.

However, we hope this comprehensive explainer can help you understand how safe Mounjaro is following bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery and How It Works

Bariatric surgery includes various surgical procedures designed to help with weight loss. These procedures modify the digestive system with surgery on the stomach to help patients lose weight by limiting how much they can eat or how many nutrients they can absorb, or both.

Key things you should understand about bariatric surgery include:

• The procedure alters the stomach to physically aid in the restricton of food intake and/or nutrient absorption
• It works on physical hunger, and doesn't stop emotional eating or cravings
• Leads to a patient being able to limit their food intake through controlled portion sizes
• This approach is supposed to lead to sustainable weight loss through the creation of habitual lifestyle changes

Weight loss can sometimes begin to trail off after bariatric surgery and this can be for a few reasons. Some people find it difficult to stick to the total lifestyle alterations and old habits can start creeping back in.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Injections: What Are They?

Mounjaro which is GLP1 and GIP dual agonist (tirzepatide) is changing the landscape of weight management through its innovative dual-action approach. Unlike conventional weight loss medications, this groundbreaking treatment works by influencing two distinct biological pathways in your body.

At its core, Mounjaro works by copying the effects of two natural body hormones:

GLP-1: This hormone naturally controls your appetite and blood sugar, typically released after eating

GIP: This hormone helps manage how your body processes nutrients and regulates blood sugar levels

By targeting both these systems simultaneously, Mounjaro offers a more comprehensive approach to weight management than traditional treatments that only focus on one pathway.

According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Mounjaro is only authorised to be prescribed to the following regulations:

Adult patients with a BMI of 30 or more (obesity) or those with a BMI between 27-30 (overweight) who also have weight-related health problems such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart problems. 

What makes Mounjaro stand out:

• You only need one injection per week
• It helps keep your blood sugar levels steady
• It reduces hunger and food cravings, including those persistent thoughts about food
• It helps you feel fuller longer by slowing down food digestion

Using Mounjaro After Bariatric Surgery

The combination of Mounjaro while living with a gastric band requires careful consideration and medical supervision. While both interventions can support weight loss, their interaction needs to be managed properly to ensure safety and effectiveness, even when the band’s effectiveness has reduced.

Important considerations include:

• Timing after band placement
• Potential adjustments to band tightness
• Monitoring of eating patterns and portion sizes
• Eligibility for prescription

Responsible weight health providers such as Bodyline, with CQC,  would typically recommend starting Mounjaro at a lower dose, especially when used in conjunction with a gastric band, and ONLY gradually increasing the dose based on individual response and tolerance.

Bodyline and Bariatric Aftercare

At Bodyline, we provide comprehensive support for patients with gastric bands considering Mounjaro injections. Our approach includes:

• Detailed medical assessments to ensure suitability for medical weight loss therapy
• Customisable treatment plans that account for individual needs and work holistically for each patient
• Regular monitoring of progress and side effects with consultations, weigh ins, and health check-ups
• Dietary guidance and nutritional support

We understand that each patient's journey is unique, and our team of weight health clinical specialists works closely with individuals to ensure safe and effective weight management strategies.

Call Bodyline – the trusted and leading UK medical weight loss clinic group on 0800 995 6036 or complete an enquiry form for a call back.

Bodyline works. Bodyline cares.

Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.