CA, US & World
Bariatric Surgery Still Plays Key Role Alongside GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs, Surgeon Says
The rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications has transformed the conversation around obesity treatment, but bariatric surgery continues to be an effective option for many patients, according to a leading bariatric surgeon in Rhode Island.
Dr. Jennine Giovanni, director of bariatric surgery at Care New England in Warwick, says advances in robotic-assisted procedures have made weight loss surgery more precise while expanding treatment options for people living with obesity.
"I started doing robotic surgery about four and a half years ago," Giovanni said. During that time, she has performed more than 1,000 weight loss surgeries.
Giovanni said robotic technology offers surgeons greater precision because the instruments move more like the human hand.
"The difference with robotics is really the instrumentation, so the instruments with the robotic move like the human hand and in a much more natural way and so there's a lot more precision," she said.
The two most common robotic bariatric procedures are gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. Gastric bypass reduces food intake by rerouting part of the small intestine while remaining minimally invasive. Sleeve gastrectomy removes about 80% of the stomach, reducing its capacity and typically involving a shorter procedure with fewer complications.
Giovanni credits improved outcomes not only to advances in technology but also to comprehensive care programs.
"The success rates are better because we have these multi-disciplinary programs," she said.
While the popularity of GLP-1 medications has contributed to a decline in bariatric surgery, Giovanni said obesity is a chronic disease that often requires individualized treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
"Clearly with GLP-1s, where they hit in the market, there's been a bit of a decline in bariatric surgery," Giovanni said. "But I think what folks have to recognize is that obesity is a chronic disease and there's never going to be one treatment."
She added that bariatric specialists welcome having more treatment options available and believes some patients may achieve better long-term results by combining surgery with GLP-1 medications under the supervision of their health care team.
Giovanni emphasized that regardless of the treatment plan, lasting weight loss requires a long-term commitment to healthier eating, regular physical activity and ongoing medical care.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 29, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1 Silias Bloodworth with the scoop and score, 2) Eusebio Gallo with the kickoff touchdown, 3) Keymorie Rogers with the throw on the run, 4) Damian Durinzi with the rushing TD, or 5) Mario Gallo with the dot towards the endzone #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
Hundreds gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting President Donald Trump’s handling of the performing arts center. The demonstration came after the Kennedy Center board voted to close the facility for repairs and amid an ongoing dispute over the center’s future. Actress and singer Lynda Carter was among those who addressed the crowd. apnews.com Watch the latest video on NBC Palm Springs.
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings