Ep 89: What Role Can GLP-1s Play in a Person's Bariatric Journey with Dr Andrew Kiyingi
This post is a companion to Episode 89 of the Bariatric Nutrition Coach Podcast. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
In the final episode of this season, I was joined by Dr Andrew Kiyingi — board-certified bariatric and general surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience, surgical trainer for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and founder of Perth Bariatric Surgery and the BMI Specialist Clinics in Perth, WA. We talked about one of the most discussed topics in the obesity and bariatric space right now: GLP-1 medications, and what role they can play in a bariatric journey.
About Dr Kiyingi
Dr Kiyingi's approach to weight loss surgery is truly multidisciplinary — encompassing surgery, dietetics, psychology, and post-surgical care including plastic surgery for excess skin. He is deeply passionate about treating obesity as the complex, multi-pronged condition it is, rather than reducing it to willpower or lifestyle. His clinic provides care from the very beginning of a patient's journey all the way through — and he is a powerful advocate for reducing the stigma around obesity.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide — work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. They reduce hunger, slow gastric emptying, and can lead to significant weight loss. They have become increasingly prominent in public conversation, and many people in the bariatric community are asking: should I use them instead of surgery? Or alongside surgery?
GLP-1s and Bariatric Surgery — Not Either/Or
Dr Kiyingi is clear that GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery are not competing options — they can work together. For some people, GLP-1s may be used pre-surgery to reduce weight and surgical risk. For others, they may be used post-surgery to support weight loss that has plateaued or to address weight regain. The key is that these medications, like surgery, are tools — and they work best within a comprehensive support framework that includes nutrition, behaviour change, and ongoing follow-up.
The Importance of the Whole Team
Whether someone is using GLP-1 medications, has had bariatric surgery, or both — the message from Dr Kiyingi is consistent with everything I talk about on this podcast: the surgery or medication is one part of the equation. The dietitian, the psychologist, the behaviour change work — these are equally essential for long-term success. No tool works in isolation.
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