NON-SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS OPTIONS. ALL ABOUT ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES
New non-surgical weight loss options have emerged in the treatment of obesity. Many patients avoid surgery for many reasons: fear of “going under the knife,” high costs, risks, and associated mortality.
Most patients with mild to moderate obesity (BMI 30–35) do not qualify for bariatric surgery and are left without a real alternative to their disease.
The most popular non-surgical alternatives are endoscopic gastric sleeve and gastric balloons.
HOW DO THE NON-SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROCEDURES WORK?
Non-surgical options are specially designed for patients with mild to moderate obesity, or those with severe obesity (BMI 40) who don’t want to undergo bariatric surgery.
They cost less, reduce the risks, are safe and effective.
There is no need for an operating room (OR) or general anaesthetic. Also, no wounds or scarring!
These types of procedures can also be seen as a jump-start in your weight loss journey. Some patients take it as the first stage to lose weight before going “under the knife”.
The non-surgical weight loss methods take the same principle of restrictive bariatric surgery to make you lose weight.
There are two options available:
- Endoscopic gastric sleeve: Remodel the stomach using endoscopic suturing devices, so that the internal surface of the stomach is folded and the capacity is reduced by up to 70%.
- Gastric balloons: The surgeon inserts a deflated balloon into your stomach through your mouth, and then it is inflated with saline water, so itreduces the stomach’s capacity.

Written by Dr Osama Bahsas Zaky (Bariatric surgery specialist)
Updated on June 28, 2021