3,087 reviewsof the Weight Doctors® Group · 97% recommendation rateBlog · 12 March 2026 · 6 min read

GLP-⁠1, balloon or surgery – what do I really need?

GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy, gastric balloon, endo sleeve or weight-loss surgery: there is no single answer. But there is one right first step – an honest, personal conversation.

GermanyNetherlandsMedically reviewed byDr. med. Robert JennerSpecialist in visceral surgery / specialised visceral surgeryLast updated:

There is no single answer

Many paths,
one question

GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy is currently in the headlines everywhere. The gastric balloon is tried and tested and needs no operation. A stomach reduction sounds like the most lasting solution. And then there is bariatric surgery for severe cases. No wonder many people begin with the question: what is actually right for me?

This is exactly the question the Weight Doctors® ask themselves for every patient – before any treatment is even recommended. Because many methods can be used to lose weight. What matters is finding the one that suits you. And that is only possible in an honest, personal conversation.

Why “What should I take?” is the wrong question

Many people spend weeks searching online: GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy or gastric balloon? Endo sleeve or GLP-⁠1 after all? Is an operation really necessary? In doing so they overlook the most important thing: the right treatment is not the one that is being talked about most at the moment – it is the one that suits your own situation. These questions decide it:

  • How many kilograms do you want or need to lose?
  • Which related conditions play a role?
  • Have you already had treatments that did not help?
  • Do you want quick results or a step-by-step path?
  • Are there any health restrictions?

These questions can only be answered in a personal conversation – not through internet research. That is why the Weight Doctors® advise independently of any particular therapy: whether medical-interventional, medication-based or conservative.

The four paths – and who they suit

  1. Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1Losing weight with no procedure at all. GLP-⁠1 therapy works on three levels: it slows digestion, strengthens the feeling of fullness between meals and can curb cravings for sweet things. This comes with private medical support, 12 months’ access to the App and a personal 360° Coach. Particularly suitable if you want to start without a procedure – or for stabilisation after another treatment. More about GLP-⁠1
  2. Weight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOONYour companion for a limited time. Whether the adjustable Spatz3 gastric balloon for 12 months, the classic balloon for 6 months or the swallowable Allurion gastric balloon: the balloon fills part of the stomach so that you feel full more quickly. Completely reversible, without a surgical procedure. Particularly suitable for a structured fresh start, to practise new eating habits. More about the gastric balloon
  3. Weight Doctors SLEEVE®Stomach reduction without an operation. With the endo sleeve using pose® 3.0 Double Helix or OverStitch NXT™, the stomach volume is permanently reduced by up to 70–75% – as an outpatient, without incisions, without scars. Depending on the variant, weight loss of up to 40 kg may be possible; results vary from person to person. Particularly suitable if you are looking for a permanent solution without a surgical procedure. More about the SLEEVE
  4. Weight Doctors BARIATRICS®Weight-loss surgery for a high BMI. Gastric sleeve or gastric bypass for a high BMI and serious related conditions – minimally invasive, with private medical preliminary examination and aftercare. Where there is a medical indication in line with the guidelines, there is a chance of cost coverage by the German health insurer. Particularly suitable for severe overweight when other methods are not enough. More about BARIATRICS

You can see what the individual treatments cost in the price overview.

GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy

Why the weight-loss injection is not the first choice for everyone – and for whom it is

GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy is currently the most discussed topic in weight loss. In clinical studies, GLP-⁠1-based active substances showed a weight loss of 15–22.5% of body weight.

But there is a downside that is rarely talked about openly: up to 65% of patients stop the treatment within two years – mostly because of side effects such as nausea, vomiting or exhaustion. And after stopping, they regain two thirds to as much as 80% of the weight they lost.

What does that mean? GLP-⁠1 is a powerful tool – but only if it suits the person and is used correctly. For some it is the right first step, for others the follow-on after a gastric balloon or endo sleeve. And for others still, a completely different treatment is the better path.

That is why at the Weight Doctors® the rule is: listen first, then recommend.

When GLP-⁠1 is recommended

How Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 therapy works

If Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 is the right path for you, treatment begins in a structured and supported way – not with a pack that arrives in the post, and that’s that.

  1. Month 1Getting to know each other, setting treatment goals, medical treatment plan and individual dosage. Instruction in self-administration with the pen – a small prick once a week. Access to the Weight Doctors® App and to your personal 360° Coach.
  2. Months 2–3The dose is increased slowly. Many people notice first changes – less hunger, better satiety. We actively support you with any side effects.
  3. Months 4–6New habits become established. Blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can improve, and the body finds a new balance.
  4. From month 7The new weight settles. The therapy is continued individually or – in agreement with your specialist – moved on to another treatment phase.

Behind every treatment: 360° care

Whether GLP-⁠1, gastric balloon, endo sleeve or weight-loss surgery – at the Weight Doctors®, every treatment is embedded in a comprehensive care package:

  • Weight Doctors® Appwith a smart scale and AI-assisted food log – simply photograph your meal.
  • Weight Doctors® Mirathe App’s digital assistant, around the clock in 7 languages – for questions about nutrition, exercise and motivation, with individual cooking recipes.
  • Personal 360° CoachesYour team of people for all phases of treatment, 365 days a year.
  • 3D BodyscanAI-assisted laser measurement that makes progress objectively visible – two scans are included, at the start and during the course of therapy.
  • Nutrition coachingat least 5 consultations – in person, by telephone or by video.

What really happens in the consultation?

Many people hesitate to take the first step because they fear being committed to a treatment straight away. The opposite is the case.

In the initial consultation, which carries no obligation, the Weight Doctors® get to know you – your history, your goals, your experiences so far and your personal situation. Only then do we make a recommendation: no standard solution, no pressure, no hasty decisions.

The conversation is 100% free of obligation, usually lasts 30–45 minutes and takes place by telephone, by video or in person on site, as you prefer.

The Weight Doctors® are represented at 23 locations in six countries – in Germany in 14 cities and at the Weight Doctors® Nationalklinik in Wertheim am Main. The team speaks German, Dutch and English as native languages. You will find all locations under Obesity centres.

Films

  • Patients tell us about their journey
Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.

How do I find out which treatment suits me?

In the consultation, which carries no obligation: we discuss your weight-loss goal, related conditions, previous experiences and your wishes – and only then make a recommendation independent of any particular therapy. The conversation usually lasts 30–45 minutes, by telephone, by video or on site.

Can I also use GLP-⁠1 after a gastric balloon or endo sleeve?

Yes – GLP-⁠1 is one of the most common follow-on therapies after a successful first treatment. It can help to maintain the weight achieved and to prevent a yo-yo effect. Whether and when this transition makes sense for you is something we discuss with you.

What does GLP-⁠1 therapy cost at the Weight Doctors®?

Medical support costs from €599 for 3 months or €1,399 for 12 months; the medication is extra. Included are private medical support, access to the Weight Doctors® App and a personal 360° Coach. More on the page on GLP-⁠1 therapy.

Does German statutory health insurance cover the costs?

German statutory health insurers currently do not pay for GLP-⁠1 therapy for weight reduction. For a stomach reduction, where there is a medical indication in line with the guidelines (BMI above 40 or BMI above 35 with related conditions), there is a chance of cost coverage. There is no advance application – more under Stomach reduction with health insurance.

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All treatments at a glance

Wide range of services
no procedure
Surgery
  1. No procedureWeight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapyMedication-based, no procedure
  2. No procedureWeight Doctors® 360°Nutrition coaching
  3. Long-lastingNewWeight Doctors® hydroGMAEndoscopic, no incisions
  4. No surgeryWeight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOONTemporary, also swallowable
  5. No surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors SLEEVE®Endoscopic, permanent
  6. With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors BARIATRICS®Surgical, minimally invasive
  7. With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® REVISIONCorrective procedure after weight-loss surgery
  8. LipoedemaHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® lipoedema surgeryLiposuction for lipoedema
  9. After weight lossHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® RESHAPEAfter weight loss

* For patients with German statutory health insurance: if the medical indication is established in line with the DGAV guidelines, reimbursement may be possible.

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