As Medi-Cal Coverage for GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Ends, LVMC Surgeon Emphasizes Bariatric Surgery as Most Effective Treatment for Severe Obesity
- Category: Weightloss, Press Release
- Posted On:
- Written By: Nora Wallace
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, CenCal Health and all other Medi-Cal managed care plans will no longer cover the cost of GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound due to policy changes by Medi-Cal Rx.
This change means patients who currently use GLP-1 medications for weight management will either need to explore alternative treatment options or will pay out-of-pocket for their prescriptions after the start of the new year.
While the discontinuation of GLP-1 coverage presents a setback for some patients, Lompoc Valley Medical Center reminds the community that bariatric (weight loss) surgeryremains the most effective, evidence-based treatment for individuals with severe obesity.
Patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 will remain candidates for surgical weight loss options and are encouraged to undergo consultation with LVMC’s bariatric specialist.
“Although this is an unfortunate change in policy, as we are always promoting increased patient access to care, it is important to note that weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) remains the single, most effective tool for treating severe obesity,” said LVMC Bariatric and General Surgeon Dr. Christopher Taglia, FACS, FASMBS, DABOM.
Dr. Taglia, who also serves as theDirector of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at LVMC, emphasized that patients typically experience greater and more sustained weight loss through surgical intervention compared to medications alone.
Weight loss surgery is also likely to result in long-term cures for obesity-related health conditions including sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes, explained Dr. Taglia.
Dr. Taglia and his multidisciplinary team at LVMC take a whole-person approach to obesity treatment, combining clinical expertise with personalized care and long-term patient engagement.
LVMC’s proven and well-regarded surgical and medicinal weight loss program is tailored to individual health needs and goals. The program includes:
- Minimally invasive surgical procedures, including gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery
- Consultation with a board-certified bariatric surgeon
- Nutritional counseling and dietary support
- Behavioral and mental health guidance
- Long-term follow-up care and support groups to help patients maintain success
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