Long-term weight loss requires a big commitment to major lifestyle changes. Many individuals need more time to commit to such extensive changes, especially if they have a busy schedule. Nonsurgical weight loss methods can offer an effective alternative to more invasive surgical options. Let’s explore some of the surprising benefits of these methods!
No Incisions
Assume you’re 100 pounds or more overweight and have tried diet and exercise without success. In that case, your physician may recommend a nonsurgical fat reduction treatment such as laser- or light-assisted therapy, ultrasound or cryotherapy. Nonsurgical treatments kill off fat cells, allowing the body to eliminate them naturally through the lymphatic system. Bariatric surgery such as sleeve gastrectomy or the ORBERA ™ intragastric balloon has proven effective in helping many people with morbid obesity lose a significant amount of weight, improve their health-related conditions including high blood pressure and blood sugar, and change their lives for the better. However, these procedures require a commitment to long-term follow-up care and lifestyle changes.
More Accessible
Non surgical weight loss procedures are typically done as outpatient treatments, so you don’t have to spend time recovering in a hospital. Additionally, you can return to your daily routine much sooner than with surgery.
The results from many of these nonsurgical treatments are promising. One example is the FDA-approved intragastric balloon Orbera. This reversible procedure works by filling space in the stomach to help reduce hunger. Studies show that people who undergo this procedure lose and maintain more weight than those without it. Another nonsurgical weight loss option is the sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure bypasses around 75% of the small intestine, significantly reducing calories and nutrients absorbed. Studies show that people who undergo this procedure experience similar results to those who have undergone gastric bypass.
Even if you can lose enough weight through surgery, it may be a challenge to maintain that weight loss in the long term. For this reason, nonsurgical treatments offer a good alternative to yo-yo dieting and extreme exercise plans. They also give individuals the tools to establish a new set of healthy habits.
No Anesthetic
Weight loss is tough for many people. It takes a lot of devotion to exercise and eat well; even when those are done well, they aren’t always enough to keep the pounds off. That’s why some seek surgical options with a higher chance of long-term weight loss success. Only some candidates for surgery can still find the same results with nonsurgical weight loss procedures. These methods focus on fat removal and target the specific cells resistant to diet and exercise, so they’re a great option for anyone who isn’t able or willing to commit to invasive surgery. One example of a nonsurgical procedure is ESG (sleeve gastroplasty). It’s a minimally invasive method that uses an endoscope to stitch the stomach from within. This makes the stomach smaller, controlling how much you can eat in a single sitting and helping you feel full sooner. This is especially beneficial for those who can’t or don’t want to undergo a more invasive bariatric surgery due to medical conditions that would make it too risky for them.
Less Risky
Weight loss methods like yo-yo dieting and extreme exercise can cause harm to the heart, kidneys, and joints. They also create a vicious cycle of gaining and losing weight that can be difficult to break. Fortunately, new advances in bariatric medicine have allowed for innovative nonsurgical weight loss methods. These non-invasive, endoscopic procedures, like the gastric balloon, can help patients lose weight and improve their health without many risks. ESG is ideal for people who either don’t qualify for or don’t want a more invasive surgical procedure. It has shown promising results in patients not meeting the strict gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy criteria.
ESG is designed to provide long-term weight loss, improve blood sugar levels and cardiac health, and reduce hunger. It’s much safer than yo-yo diets and extreme workout plans. Unlike traditional weight loss surgeries, it’s less likely to cause hernias, acid reflux, and other complications. It’s also a good choice for people with health issues that make them unsuitable candidates for surgery.
Less Prep Time
Not everyone is willing to undergo an invasive surgical procedure regarding weight loss. Some are afraid of being put under anesthesia, and others have medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing surgery. In addition, surgery requires extensive downtime, which can hurt your career and personal life. Fortunately, you can now lose significant amounts of weight with nonsurgical procedures. These innovative bariatric endoscopic treatments are safer and less invasive than traditional surgery. They also require a shorter recovery period, which is great for those who can’t afford to take time off from work. Studies have shown that both ESG and sleeve gastroplasty can help individuals lose excess weight and decrease their risk of serious weight-related health problems. However, the difference in outcomes between surgical and nonsurgical participants may be attributed to several factors, including eating habits.
