Our Summary

This research paper compares three endoscopic procedures used to treat obesity: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), AspireAssist (AA), and primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE). Using data from 12 studies involving 1,149 patients, the researchers examined how much excess weight and total body weight patients lost after undergoing these procedures. They found that both AA and ESG were very effective in helping patients lose weight over a 6-12 month period. However, ESG was more effective than POSE in terms of weight loss. The differences in weight loss between ESG and AA, and between AA and POSE, were not significant. In simple terms, if you’re considering these procedures for weight loss, this study suggests that ESG may be the best option.

FAQs

  1. What are the three endoscopic procedures for obesity treatment discussed in the research paper?
  2. Which procedure was found to be the most effective in terms of weight loss according to the study?
  3. Were there any significant differences in weight loss between AspireAssist (AA) and primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE)?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to carefully consider all options and discuss them with your healthcare provider before making a decision. It’s important to choose a procedure that is not only effective in terms of weight loss but also aligns with your personal preferences and lifestyle. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow post-operative guidelines, including dietary and lifestyle changes, to maximize the benefits of the surgery and maintain long-term weight loss success. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team are also essential for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended obesity surgery are those who have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. Additionally, candidates for obesity surgery should have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success. It is important for patients to have a thorough understanding of the risks and benefits of obesity surgery and to be committed to making lifestyle changes in order to achieve and maintain weight loss.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a healthcare provider to discuss options for weight loss surgery.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluations and screenings to determine eligibility for surgery, including physical exams, blood tests, and psychological assessments.
  3. Patient attends educational sessions to learn about the procedure, risks, and post-operative care.
  4. Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes, such as following a specific diet or exercise plan, before surgery.

After obesity surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may include laparoscopic or endoscopic techniques.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Patient follows a strict diet plan and gradually transitions to solid foods.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any complications.
  5. Patient may experience weight loss and improvements in overall health, such as reduced risk of obesity-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
  6. Patient may need to make long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, to maintain weight loss and prevent regaining weight.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each procedure?
  2. How long is the recovery time for each procedure?
  3. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the surgery?
  4. What type of follow-up care will I need after the surgery?
  5. How much weight can I expect to lose with each procedure?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or complications I should be aware of?
  7. What is the success rate of each procedure in terms of long-term weight loss maintenance?
  8. How will the procedure affect my overall health and well-being?
  9. Are there any dietary restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific factors that could affect my eligibility for each procedure?

Reference

Authors: Khan Z, Khan MA, Hajifathalian K, Shah S, Abdul M, Saumoy M, Aronne L, Lee W, Sharaiha RZ. Journal: Obes Surg. 2019 Jul;29(7):2287-2298. doi: 10.1007/s11695-019-03865-w. PMID: 30982170