Medications · GLP-1
Wegovy Before Surgery
Wegovy is semaglutide for weight loss, the same medicine as Ozempic. Its main surgery concern is a slower-emptying stomach.
Quick answer
Why it matters
GLP-1 medicines like Wegovy delay stomach emptying. Under anesthesia, food left in the stomach can be breathed into the lungs (aspiration). Which is why your team needs to know.
Guidance changed recently: rather than everyone stopping the drug, the focus is on identifying who is higher risk (for example, ongoing nausea or being in the dose-increase phase) and managing them individually.
Do not stop without instruction
What to ask your doctor
- Should I take my usual Wegovy dose before surgery, or hold it?
- Should I follow a clear-liquid diet for 24 hours beforehand?
- Do my symptoms (nausea, bloating) make me higher risk?
- Anything different because it's weekly dosing?
Red flags, call your team
Red flags, call your team
- Ongoing nausea, vomiting, or bloating
- You recently increased your dose
- You also take it for diabetes (needs a sugar plan)
References
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) & multi-society consensus on GLP-1 receptor agonists before anesthesia. asahq.org
Frequently asked questions
Do I stop Wegovy before surgery?
Not necessarily. Many patients can continue GLP-1 medicines before elective surgery; higher-risk patients may follow a 24-hour clear-liquid diet or hold the dose. Tell your team and follow their advice.