Understanding Endoscopic Procedures for Weight Loss: A Physician’s Perspective

Hello everyone!
I'm Dr. Krishna Rayapudi, an Obesity Medicine Physician with a deep interest in helping my patients achieve their weight loss goals. Today, I want to talk about some innovative endoscopic procedures that can assist in weight loss. These procedures offer less risk compared to traditional bariatric surgery and can be a great option for many individuals struggling with obesity.

What Are Endoscopic Procedures for Weight Loss?

Endoscopic procedures are minimally invasive techniques that use an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) to perform various weight loss treatments inside the stomach. Unlike traditional surgery, these procedures do not require large incisions, which means they often have a quicker recovery time and fewer complications.

Types of Endoscopic Procedures
Intragastric Balloon: This procedure involves placing a balloon inside the stomach and filling it with saline. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, making you feel full sooner and helping you eat less. Studies have shown that patients can lose 7.6% to 14.1% of their total body weight within six months.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): ESG involves using an endoscope to place sutures in the stomach, reducing its size. This procedure mimics the effects of a traditional sleeve gastrectomy but without the need for surgery. Patients typically lose 4.7% to 14.4% of their total body weight within six months.
AspireAssist: This device is inserted into the stomach and allows patients to empty a portion of their stomach contents after eating. It's a bit like a reversible gastric bypass. Over 12 months, patients have shown significant weight loss, ranging from 12.1% to 18.3% of their total body weight.

Benefits of Endoscopic Procedures

Less Invasive: These procedures are less invasive than traditional bariatric surgery, which means a lower risk of complications and quicker recovery times.
Effective Weight Loss: While not as dramatic as bariatric surgery, these procedures still offer significant weight loss, which can be life-changing for many patients.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients often experience improvements in their overall quality of life, including better mobility, enhanced self-esteem, and reduced obesity-related health issues.

Potential Risks and Considerations
While endoscopic procedures are generally safe, they do come with some risks, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in rare cases, complications like gastric ulcers or bleeding. It’s essential to discuss these risks with your physician to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Who Can Benefit from These Procedures?
Endoscopic weight loss procedures can be a good option for:

Individuals who are not eligible or do not want to undergo traditional bariatric surgery.
Patients needing significant but moderate weight loss.
Those who have struggled with other weight loss methods like diet and exercise alone.

Conclusion
Endoscopic weight loss procedures offer a promising alternative for individuals struggling with obesity. They provide a less invasive option with effective weight loss results and an improved quality of life. As an obesity medicine physician, I am excited about these advancements and the potential they hold for helping my patients achieve their weight loss goals in a safer and more accessible manner.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about whether an endoscopic procedure might be right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help you on your weight loss journey!

Stay healthy,
Krishna Rayapudi MD DABOM