If bariatric surgery is not your first choice, there are several other weight loss procedures you can consider as alternatives to Bariatric Surgery. These procedures are nonsurgical and can help you lose weight and reduce your intake. Read on to find out more about these options. Some of these procedures are also less invasive than bariatric surgery.

Non Surgical weight loss procedures

Many people are hesitant about bariatric surgery, but there are nonsurgical alternatives that can offer similar results. For example, the True You procedure targets people who are obese but have failed to lose weight with diet and exercise. 

These nonsurgical alternatives are often less invasive and require less time in the operating room. Moreover, they don’t leave any noticeable scars. These procedures can provide a jump-start to your weight loss journey. The nonsurgical methods use the same principles of restrictive bariatric surgery, but without the risk of complications. One such procedure uses an endoscopic suturing device to re-design the stomach and reduce its capacity by 70 percent.

Gastric Balloon 

Most Popular Least Invasive Procedure

A saline balloon procedure can help obese patients lose weight. This surgical procedure involves inserting a small, saline-filled balloon into the stomach. This reduces the stomach’s capacity to hold food, causing patients to automatically eat less. The balloon is removed after about six months. After that, the patient must continue a strict diet to maintain their weight loss.

This gastric balloon procedure is an alternative to invasive bariatric surgery. People with BMIs between 30 and 40 are usually candidates for this procedure. It is an outpatient procedure requiring mild sedation. A diagnostic endoscopy is performed to ensure that the procedure is safe and effective.

The procedure is performed by passing a thin, flexible tube through the mouth into the stomach. A camera attached to the endoscope allows the surgeon to see the balloon as it fills. The procedure is painless and usually takes less than an hour. Patients can return home the same day.

Gastric balloon surgery can be a lifesaver for obese patients. This procedure is FDA-approved and involves minimal risk. However, the procedure is not for everyone. People with certain health conditions or structural defects in their stomachs may not be good candidates. In addition, it may not be covered by insurance. However, we offer financing options.

After gastric balloon surgery, patients can eat soft or liquid food for the first few weeks. After that, they can start eating solid foods. After one to two weeks, they may even be able to return to work or exercise. After the procedure, patients usually lose more than one-third of their excess weight.

Mesotherapy

Although mesotherapy has a high success rate, it isn’t a safe procedure for everyone. There are many potential complications, including pain at the injection site, infection, and local necrosis. In addition, mesotherapy isn’t approved for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or diabetic. However, if you’re interested in reducing your waistline and losing weight, mesotherapy might be the right choice for you.

While mesotherapy is relatively new to the United States, it’s been used in Europe for decades. However, the FDA has issued multiple warning letters due to safety concerns. It’s also expensive, and the number of sessions required for successful results varies between practitioners. It’s recommended to consult a licensed doctor who has experience in the procedure to minimize your risk.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (Overstitching)

Semi-Invasive Procedure 

This procedure involves the reduction of a person’s stomach size and capacity using an endoscopic scope. This causes a caloric deficit, forcing the body to burn fat. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can result in up to 15 to 20 percent body weight loss after a few months of follow-up

This procedure does not involve any incisions on the abdomen and is a fast and effective alternative to bariatric surgery. Recovery time is typically between two and three days. Some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day or two to monitor their recovery. However, most patients are discharged on the same day. Patients must also follow a liquid diet for one week following the procedure.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasties have been in practice for a few years, and have shown to be effective in helping obese people lose weight. They are less invasive than conventional bariatric surgery, and patients have reported permanent weight loss for up to three years after the procedure. While some patients may experience some weight gain after the procedure, this is not common. Patients can avoid this by not overeating or vomiting. After 18 months, individuals with a BMI of 30-40 can lose weight as fast as those undergoing bariatric surgery.

Unlike gastric sleeve surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has fewer complications, and most of these complications can be easily resolved. There is a small chance of nausea and pain, but these side effects are easily treated and patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

While gastric bypass is still the most popular option for bariatric surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has several benefits. It has a lower complication rate and a lower cost compared to conventional bariatric surgery. Some people may experience abdominal pain and cramping for the first 24 hours after the procedure, but these side effects go away soon afterward.

Sleeve Gastrectomy 

Most Popular Surgical/Invasive Procedure

Surgical weight loss procedure involving removal of the stomach by 75 to 80% in order to reduce the food consumption. This is the most popular and effective invasive surgery for weight loss. The duration of this procedure usually only takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes and the recovery time for this procedure can take several weeks. This surgical sleeve will require the patient to stay in the center for at least a day for recovery. 

Gastric Bypass

Surgical/Invasive Procedure

 

This is an invasive procedure for losing weight and is called a laparoscopic gastric bypass, which involves creating a smaller stomach pouch. This procedure has a low-risk profile and is typically done under general anesthesia. In this procedure, an endoscope with a camera on the tip is passed through the mouth to the stomach. This procedure results in a smaller stomach pouch, which helps patients feel full sooner and eat less. Recovery time is relatively short after the procedure, and most patients are discharged home the same day.