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.