Thanks to advancements in endoscopic technology, you now have several non-surgical options for weight loss. Doctors in the Sutter Health network offer these newer endoscopic weight loss procedures as alternatives to traditional weight loss surgery.

Endoscopic procedures pass a flexible tube with a camera and light through the mouth and down the esophagus to examine your stomach and intestinal tract. You’ll receive sedation during the procedure and typically go home the same day.

Intragastric Balloon Therapy (IGB)

Intragastric balloon therapy (IGB) places temporary silicone balloons inside the stomach. The balloon is inflated with sterile fluid or gas, taking up space in the stomach. The balloon acts to increase feelings of satiety (fullness) and decreases the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines, further enhancing satiety and improving portion control and weight loss.

The balloons may be placed endoscopically or they may be swallowed. You’ll undergo another endoscopy in six months to remove the balloon(s).

IGB therapy, used for several decades outside the United States, has a long track record of efficacy and safety. It may be an option if you have a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2, have had difficulty losing weight with diet and exercise and haven’t had prior esophageal or stomach surgery.

As with any endoscopic weight loss procedure, balloon therapy requires a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve lasting results. You’ll continue to be supported to ensure your success. 

Endoscopic Revision of Weight Loss Surgery

Unfortunately, many people experience weight regain following weight loss surgery such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. More than 20 percent of patients regain significant amounts of weight, which may lead to return of diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and joint disease. People may feel that they “failed” and feel stigmatized for “wasting” the operation.

It’s now known that dilation or stretching of the surgically created gastric pouch and outlet of the pouch (gastric bypass) or sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) does sometimes occur and can lead to weight gain. When this occurs, people often complain of being able to eat more food at meals or that they’re increasingly hungry between meals and end up grazing throughout the day.

While traditional revision operations are one way to reestablish weight loss, they carry increased risks compared with the original operation — so both patients and doctors may be reluctant to pursue this approach.

Endoscopic revision benefits:

• It offers a less invasive, safe and effective alternative to surgical revision.

• Nearly all patients achieve weight stabilization (the weight gain stops).
• Most people lose 20 to 50 percent of their excess weight.
• The operation is well-tolerated. Most people are discharged home the same day and return to work shortly thereafter.

While endoscopic revision of gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy can help you eat less and eliminate ongoing feelings of hunger, it’s best seen as a tool to help reinvigorate weight loss rather than as a second primary operation. It’s important to reconnect with bariatric support groups, visit with a dietitian in the Sutter Health network and refocus on establishing healthy lifestyle choices.