Modern medicine has made huge strides with bariatric surgery procedures to assist those who need extra help on their weight loss journey. Notably, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) states bariatric surgery can reduce a patient’s risk of premature death by up to 50%. But not everyone wants to undergo an extensive surgical procedure to lose body weight, and fortunately, not everyone needs to.
There are safe, non-invasive weight loss surgery options you can consider as alternatives. Explore the six options below to learn about what possibilities are available.
There are two types of “sleeve” surgeries that reduce the stomach’s size: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). ESG is gaining popularity because of its non-invasive nature, speed of recovery, and long-term effectiveness.
While LSG removes 80% of the stomach through a surgical procedure, ESG is far less invasive because there are no incisions. Instead, the surgeon will use an endoscope, a flexible tube with a suturing device, to limit the stomach’s size by about 70-80%.
Although both procedures use general anesthesia, the recovery time is much shorter for ESG than LSG. As a result, those who undergo ESG can return home on the day of the procedure and don’t require a hospital stay.
Studies show that patients can lose up to 70% of excess weight when combined with lifestyle coaching and nutritional support.
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (RYGB)
There are two types of “sleeve” surgeries that reduce the stomach’s size: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). ESG is gaining popularity because of its non-invasive nature, speed of recovery, and long-term effectiveness.
Laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, or Roux-en-Y, creates a small pouch that acts as your stomach. The pouch is roughly the size of a lemon and connects to your small intestine.
The connection bypasses most of your stomach and a portion of the small intestine that absorbs food. This helps you feel full quickly, and your body absorbs less of what you eat. Studies show that patients can lose up to 80% of excess weight from this bariatric procedure with necessary lifestyle changes.
The qualifications for gastric bypass surgery include the following:
BMI of 35 or more
More than five years of experiencing obesity
Failure of non-surgical weight loss procedures
Psychiatric evaluation
Former gastric bypass patients who have regained weight or experienced weight gain after the procedure may be eligible for a gastric bypass revision performed endoscopically called a TORe (transoral outlet reduction).
Recovery time for gastric bypass surgery is about two to four weeks. Additionally, patients often see a resolution of the following conditions:
Coronary artery disease
Diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Sleep apnea
Endoscopic Gastric Balloon
Endoscopic gastric balloon placement has become one of the most common weight loss procedures today. The surgeon will place a silicone balloon into your stomach to take up the volume. The balloon helps you feel fuller longer while eating less. It stays in place for six to eight months and then is removed. The key to success with the balloon is creating a new lifestyle of nutrition and exercise during these six months to maintain the results after the balloon is removed.
This outpatient procedure only takes 30 minutes and is completed under monitored sedation. You can go home the same day as the surgery and return to work shortly after.
Note that the gastric balloon is not considered safe for those with a previous medical history of a large hiatal hernia or other gastric surgery.
Liposuction & Liposculpture
Liposuction
Liposuction for women and men is not a weight loss surgery but a fat loss surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat from targeted areas. There are several liposuction methods, including:
Laser liposuction
Power-assisted liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction
Liposculpture
Liposculpture is similar but is less invasive and removes smaller fat deposits to create a more muscular and defined shape. This defined shape is what makes liposuction for men common.
The procedure is best for those who live a healthy lifestyle and are of moderate weight but have “diet-resistant fat.” Unlike other bariatric surgeries, liposuction is not a weight loss surgery. Those with a high BMI or who want to lose more than ten pounds are better served with other weight loss procedures to achieve the desired results.
High-Definition Liposculpting
For Women
High-definition liposuction for women and men is an advanced liposuction technique that combines fat removal with body contouring. It removes small fat deposits in exact locations to sculpt the body and enhance natural beauty.
Those best suited for high-definition liposuction are already near their ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that won’t go away with other weight loss programs.
Which Least Invasive Weight Loss Surgery Is Best?
The best non-invasive bariatric surgery may vary from patient to patient, so it’s always wise to consult a doctor before making a final decision.
However, many bariatric surgeons would agree that the most effective minimally invasive weight loss surgery is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). It’s longer lasting than the gastric balloon, and some studies show it has better long-term effects on obesity management than surgical procedures.
Weight Loss Surgery Experts
Any of these six minimally invasive weight loss surgery options can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
There’s never been a better time to get serious about your health and take control of your weight loss options. Please schedule a consultation with our team at Formation to discuss which surgery is best for you. We want to help you be the best possible version of yourself.
