Do I need to stop Wegovy before surgery?
Reviewed by the glpzoom Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of June 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Yes — most anesthesia societies now recommend holding GLP-1 medications (including Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro) before procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation. The American Society of Anesthesiologists guidance is to hold weekly GLP-1 injections for at least one week before an elective procedure to reduce aspiration risk from retained gastric contents. Daily GLP-1 medications (Saxenda, Rybelsus) are typically held the day of the procedure. Tell your anesthesiologist and surgeon at every preoperative appointment that you are on a GLP-1, even if you've held the dose — semaglutide has a long half-life and effects on gastric emptying can persist. For emergency surgery, hold is not possible; the anesthesia team will adjust technique accordingly. Restart timing post-op depends on the procedure and how you're tolerating diet.
Where to start
Licensed US telehealth services that handle this. We may earn a commission when you sign up. See disclosure.
Ro
from $145/mo- Best for insured patients
- Best for clinical oversight
Ro Body — branded GLP-1 weight care program
Hims
from $199/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims Weight Loss — compounded GLP-1 from $199/mo
Noom Med
from $179/mo- Best for coaching
- Best for maintenance
Noom Med — GLP-1 + behavioral psychology coaching
Drugs referenced
Related questions
What are the most common Wegovy side effects?
The most common Wegovy side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea (40-44% of trial patients), diarrhea (30%), vomiting (24%), and constipation (24%). These typically peak during dose escalation in the first 4-8 weeks and improve as the body adapts. Less common but serious risks include gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, kidney strain (especially if dehydrate