In honor of Obesity Week (March 2-6), we’re excited to share a new conversation featuring Dr. Sarah Samreen, Director of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at UTMB, and Dr. Andrea Stark, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine. After receiving fantastic feedback from their last episode, they’re back — this time tackling some of the most common questions about obesity treatments, a topic that is often misunderstood.
Whether you’re curious about medical weight‑loss options, exploring bariatric surgery, or just trying to understand the rapidly evolving landscape of obesity care, this episode is packed with clear explanations, myth‑busting, and practical guidance from two leaders in the field. Dr. Samreen and Dr. Stark break down topics patients ask every day, including:
Realistic weight loss expectations
- What to expect with lifestyle changes alone
- How first‑generation medications differ from newer GLP‑1 therapies
- Why “average weight loss” isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all
- The role of medication titration and timelines
Bariatric surgery vs. medication — what’s the difference?
Dr. Samreen walks through:
- Expected weight‑loss ranges for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and ESG
- Why bariatric surgery still leads in long‑term durability
- How combination therapy (medications + surgery) can be a game changer for some patients
Costs, coverage, and the future of access
The doctors discuss:
- Why some patients may need lifelong medication, and what that means financially
- How upcoming Medicare changes could expand access
- Why out-of-pocket costs drive patients toward risky alternatives
Red flags and safety risks
They dive into concerning trends they're seeing:
- Compounded GLP‑1 medications with unknown ingredients
- Extreme undereating and muscle loss on poorly supervised telehealth plans
- The dangers of traveling abroad for bariatric surgery
- How lack of pre‑op education impacts long‑term success
Clearing up misconceptions
Dr. Samreen addresses a common fear — whether surgeons require preoperative weight loss to “earn” surgery — and explains why the UTMB approach is grounded in compassion and evidence, not punishment or shame.
Why this matters
Obesity is a chronic, complex disease — not a personal failure. Conversations like this help reduce stigma, expand understanding, and empower patients with the facts they need to make informed choices. Whether you’re seeking care or supporting someone you love, this episode brings clarity to a topic too often clouded by misinformation.
For an appointment call 800-917-8906 or schedule online.