Obesity is a severe chronic disease prevalent in the United States of America and significantly increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, Type-2 Diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease while also decreasing the mortality rate of patients. While obesity can sometimes be attributed to bad lifestyle choices and eating habits, a lot of times it is due to a genetic predisposition, environment and other medical conditions. If you’re struggling to lose excess weight, you might be surprised to hear about the wide range of non-surgical medical weight loss options available today. These procedures offer an alternative to both yo-yo dieting and extreme exercise plans. They also give you another option to undergoing a surgical procedure such as LAP-BAND, gastric bypass, or gastric sleeve.
The Rise of Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Non-surgical weight loss has surged in popularity as many people seek weight loss solutions without surgical intervention. Advances in medical science have introduced effective non-surgical medical weight loss procedures. These options cater to those unwilling or unable to undergo surgery. These FDA-approved non-surgical medical weight loss procedures are less invasive than traditional weight loss surgeries and don’t involve any external incisions. This makes them a good option for patients who might not want to (or be able to) undergo a major operation. From lifestyle changes to innovative medications, non-surgical methods offer hope and tangible results.
Traditionally, weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass were the go-to options. However, these procedures carry significant risks and require long recovery times. Non-surgical weight loss options present a safer, less invasive alternative, allowing individuals to achieve their weight loss goals without the daunting prospect of surgery.
Understanding Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Non-surgical weight loss encompasses a range of methods, including diet, exercise, behavior changes, and medical treatments. Each method offers unique benefits and can be tailored to individual needs. These approaches contrast with surgical options in terms of effectiveness, risks, and long-term outcomes.
Diet and exercise remain the cornerstone of weight loss. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can yield significant results. Behavior changes, such as mindful eating and stress management, also play a crucial role. Together, these lifestyle modifications form a robust foundation for weight management.
Read also: Diet Before Bariatric Surgery
Medical treatments offer additional support. Medications can enhance weight loss efforts by regulating appetite and metabolism, leading to gradual and sustainable weight loss. These treatments provide an alternative for those who struggle with diet and exercise alone.
Many non-surgical weight loss doctors recommend personalized plans, emphasizing the importance of a tailored approach to weight loss without surgery.
Innovative Non-Surgical Procedures
Several innovative non-surgical procedures are available, including gastric balloons and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
Gastric Balloons
Gastric balloons are among the safest and most effective non-surgical weight loss techniques, involving placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach. This simple procedure helps you lose excess weight by reducing the space in your stomach for food.
Orbera Gastric Balloon
Orbera Gastric balloon is a non surgical weight loss solution designed for individuals who can’t lose weight through diet and exercise and have a BMI between 30 and 40. A fluid filled balloon is inserted in the stomach which limits the patient’s food intake capacity. The balloon is removed after 6 months. The procedure demands following a strict lifestyle change on the part of the patient, and they should also have no complicated medical history. The procedure involves its own set of complications and risks such as gastric ulcers, perforation and deflation, or complications with the balloon.
Read also: Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
With the Orbera balloon, patients will feel fuller between meals and fill up quickly when they do eat, helping them to eat less food. The goal of the ORBERA system is to give patients enough time to develop healthy eating and exercise habits while achieving a safe, steady rate of weight loss. In most cases, patients lose 3 times as much weight as they were able to with diet and exercise alone.
Obalon Balloon
Obalon is a swallowable balloon system as opposed to the insertion procedure used for the Orbera procedure. The Obalon Balloon takes up space in the stomach so that the patient consumes less food, thereby facilitating weight loss. It provides long term results and statistics reveal that 89% of patients maintain their initial weight loss for at least six months after removal of the balloon. It is an FDA approved non-surgical procedure that takes about 10-15 minutes in the office and gives twice the results compared to diet and exercise alone.
The Gastric Balloon Procedure
The gastric balloon may be an option for adults whose BMI is between 30 and 40. First, the doctor gives you a mild sedative. Then, using an endoscope passed through your mouth, the doctor will insert a soft, durable balloon in your stomach and fill the balloon with a saline solution. Gastric balloon is a temporary procedure; the balloon is removed after six months. Rapid weight loss is typically experienced during the first four months following placement of the balloon. In the first few days after it is placed, the gastric balloon can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Not everyone needs or qualifies for surgery, making the alternative non-surgical weight loss procedures such as the balloon a viable option. Since the balloon can break, it’s lined with a second balloon to allow you to continue with the treatment. The filled balloon acts as an inhibitor to hunger pangs, giving you the feeling of fullness. This encourages you to eat less, so you consume fewer calories. Non-surgical option for weight loss such as the balloon takes about half an hour to complete and is an outpatient procedure. You can go home within one or two hours afterward.
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel a little groggy due to the twilight sedative administered by the anesthesia team. You should rest for the day if possible, as you may be a little sore. You shouldn’t need any pain medication, as you experience no significant discomfort from non-surgical weight loss procedures.
Read also: Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
After the procedure, you will start drinking clear liquids. You will need to start tracking the food you eat and how much you eat. You are advised to cut up your food into small pieces and chew it extensively. You must give up carbonated beverages, as the acid can interfere with the balloon. If you insist on eating after feeling full, it may make you feel nauseous.
While the balloon is one of the best non-surgical weight loss procedures, it isn’t a long-term solution. Your weight loss doctor has to remove the balloon after six months. Following these procedures, many people grow accustomed to a new way of eating. They learn that smaller meals and more exercise can help maintain their new weight. The silicone balloon is reversible, so your doctor can remove the balloon earlier if needed with no medical side effects.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
In Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), surgeons use an endoscopic suturing device to constrict the stomach and create a sleeve from inside it. It is a relatively new minimally invasive bariatric procedure introduced in the US only a few years ago and is performed on patients under the influence of general anaesthesia. It is recommended for patients with a BMI of 30 or above for whom diet and exercise have failed to deliver results as well as those who don’t qualify for bariatric surgery. Statistics reveal that patients lose more than 15-20% of their original body weight within the first year of the procedure and it reduces the risk of various conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, Type-2 diabetes, and heart problems.
People with a BMI greater than 30 may be candidates for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Folds are stitched into your stomach to reduce its size by about 70%. This restricts how much food and drink you can consume and makes you feel fuller faster. No part of your stomach is cut or removed. Only stitches hold the folds in place. The procedure can be undone, but scar tissue may remain. Studies report that 60% of people lost about 20% of their total body weight during the first year after surgery.
OverStitch Endoscopic Suturing System
Patients who have undergone a bariatric surgery procedure such as gastric bypass may find that over time, they begin to experience unwanted weight gain. This happens as their stomach capacity slowly re-expands back to its pre-surgical size. Bariatric surgeons are now able to help these patients get back on track with OverStitch. This revolutionary, non-surgical outpatient procedure adjusts the size of the stomach following gastric bypass.
During the OverStitch procedure, the surgeon inserts an endoscope through the mouth down into the stomach and places stitches to reduce the stomach capacity. The new capacity is similar to that achieved by the initial gastric bypass procedure.
Lipotropic Injections
Lipotropics are a collection of three natural substances known as essential amino acids, responsible to helping your body process and eliminate unwanted fat. Patients who struggle to shed excess pounds may find lipotropic injections to be helpful in kick-starting their weight loss efforts. Lipotropics optimize metabolic rates and increase liver function, also boosting overall mental clarity and energy levels. Lipotropic injections can be used as a stand-alone non-surgical medical weight loss treatment or combined with bariatric surgery, counseling, or a supported weight loss program.
The Role of Medications in Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Medications have become a vital component of non-surgical weight loss. FDA-approved drugs offer promising results, helping individuals lose weight by targeting hunger hormones and metabolic processes.
Semaglutide, for example, mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which reduces appetite and slows food digestion, leading to weight loss. These medications are suitable for individuals struggling with obesity or weight-related health issues, particularly beneficial for those who have not achieved desired results through diet and exercise alone.
However, it’s essential to understand the potential side effects. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, which are usually mild and manageable. Medical supervision is crucial when using these treatments. Regular check-ups ensure the medication works effectively and safely. Weight loss experts can provide guidance and monitor progress, adjusting dosages and addressing any concerns promptly.
Medications, combined with lifestyle changes, offer a comprehensive approach to non-surgical weight loss.
Lifestyle Modifications for Lasting Weight Loss
Achieving lasting weight loss without surgery revolves around lifestyle modifications, involving adjustments in diet, physical activity, and behavior therapy. These changes are essential because they lay the foundation for a healthier you. Unlike surgical options that provide immediate results, lifestyle changes offer long-term benefits.
One effective strategy is to incorporate more whole foods into your diet, focusing on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Reducing processed foods and sugary drinks can make a significant difference. Also, portion control is vital. Instead of large meals, try smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.
Physical activity is equally important. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, including activities like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. For those new to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity.
Behavioral therapy can help you identify and change unhealthy patterns, including tackling emotional eating or poor stress management. Consistency and commitment are key. Stick with these changes, and over time, you’ll see results.
The Impact of Technology on Non-Surgical Weight Loss
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in supporting non-surgical weight loss. Wearable devices, mobile apps, and online support communities offer valuable assistance.
Wearable devices like fitness trackers monitor your physical activity and provide real-time feedback. This data helps create more effective workout plans tailored to your needs. Mobile apps can guide you through every step of your weight loss journey, providing meal planning, calorie counting, and even emotional support. Some apps also connect you with dietitians and trainers for personalized advice. The convenience of having such resources at your fingertips encourages you to stick to your plan.
Online support communities offer another layer of help. These platforms connect you with others who share similar goals. Sharing experiences, tips, and encouragement fosters a sense of community, which is crucial for maintaining motivation. Consistent monitoring and community support can significantly enhance your weight loss efforts.
The Importance of Professional Support
Professional guidance is crucial for successful non-surgical weight loss. Dietitians, nutritionists, and weight loss coaches offer expertise that can make a world of difference. These professionals assess your unique needs and create personalized plans that suit your lifestyle and goals. Their insights help you navigate the complexities of diet and exercise more effectively.
For example, a dietitian can provide tailored meal plans that meet your nutritional requirements while aiding weight loss. They can help you understand your body’s needs and how to fulfill them through diet. Nutritionists can guide you on how to balance your meals for optimal health. Weight loss coaches offer motivational support and help you stay on track. Their role is to keep you accountable and motivated.
Studies show that personalized plans increase success rates in non-surgical weight loss. When you follow a plan designed specifically for you, the chances of achieving and maintaining your weight loss goals improve significantly. Professional support ensures you have the right tools and knowledge to succeed without surgery.
Conclusion: Is Non-Surgical Weight Loss Right for You?
Weight management methods offer a viable alternative to surgical procedures, catering to those seeking effective ways to shed pounds without the risks associated with surgery. These methods can be tailored to your needs, making your weight loss journey unique to you.
Consulting with healthcare professionals can help you design a weight loss plan that fits your lifestyle and health conditions. Experts can guide you through the options, ensuring you choose methods that offer the best chances for success. For some, this might mean incorporating medications; for others, it could mean focusing on lifestyle changes supported by technology and professional advice.
Reflect on your goals, consider your options, and make the choice that aligns with your health and life. Non-surgical weight loss can be your path to a healthier you.
Finding a Reputable Weight Loss Center
It is critical to locate a reputable weight loss center that offers a combination of traditional medicine and holistic medicine techniques such as lifestyle modifications, nutrition counseling, and minimally invasive treatments like intragastric balloon placement. The multidisciplinary team of nutritionists and bariatricians understands that successful weight loss can be achieved in a variety of ways and adheres to a patient-centered and holistic approach, matching patients with the most optimal route to significant, sustainable non-surgical weight loss for their unique lifestyle and comfort.
Nebraska Medicine: A Comprehensive Approach
If you have struggled to lose weight, you are not alone. The Nebraska Medicine bariatrics team is here to help you overcome your weight-loss challenges and meet your goals. Their team of weight loss experts includes physicians, advanced practice providers and registered dietitians who will work with you to develop a customized weight loss program. Each medical weight loss plan is designed to help you lose weight, avoid future weight gain and improve any weight-related health conditions.
Conditions Improved by Weight Loss
Weight loss may help improve these conditions:
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes
- Joint and back pain
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Urinary incontinence in women
- Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis)
Nonsurgical medical weight loss may be right for you if you are overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) over 27. If you have tried dieting on your own without success and are ready for a change, their medical weight loss experts are here to help.
What to Expect at Nebraska Medicine
At your first appointment, you will meet with a member of their weight loss team to discuss your current dietary and lifestyle habits, any medications you are taking and your medical history. Your provider may order further testing based on your unique situation. They will also evaluate lifestyle factors impacting your wellness and help you determine achievable weight-loss goals. Their team of experts will work with you to develop a medical weight loss plan that considers your individual needs and overall health.
Your treatment options could include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication to help with weight loss
- New Direction meal replacement program
- Nutritional counseling
Why Choose Nebraska Medicine?
The Bariatrics Center at Nebraska Medical Center is the region’s most comprehensive weight management program, offering both medical and surgical weight loss treatment options for obesity. This is important, because not everyone’s genetic makeup allows them to lose weight in the same way. Your weight loss journey may require one - or a combination of treatment options - to successfully reach your weight loss goals and keep the weight off. Their team understands and is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
They know that a successful transition to lifelong healthy living requires more than just losing weight. The Bariatrics Center at Nebraska Medicine is the most comprehensive weight management program in the region, offering both surgical and medical weight-loss treatment options for obesity.
Minimally-Invasive and Non-Surgical Benefits
Minimally-invasive and non-surgical procedures eliminate or reduce common risks and side effects associated with surgery and take up significantly less time and effort on part of the patient. When you incorporate the necessary lifestyle changes, the procedures can deliver miraculous results in respect of patients’ physiological and psychological health. Many people make a 180 degree turn in their personal lives after undergoing the procedures.
Non-surgical procedures offer the most effective non-invasive and reversible means for losing weight. These procedures involve reducing the amount of space in your stomach to make you feel full. It encourages you to eat less at each meal, helping you lose up to 35 pounds within six months. You can repeat this procedure as often as your doctor recommends.