What is the Least Invasive Weight Loss Surgery?

For years, bariatric surgery has been the gold standard for treating obesity. But even the least invasive weight loss surgery options require a mandatory hospital stay, long recovery times, and permanent changes to your body. 

There’s no question that traditional weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass deliver effective results. But for many, the potential risks and drawbacks make traditional surgery a daunting choice. Fortunately, it’s no longer the only option available.

Today, non-invasive procedures like ESG Stomach Tightening and the gastric balloon are transforming the weight loss surgery landscape. In this post, we’ll explore the least invasive weight loss surgery options and why non-surgical alternatives are becoming the new standard.

What is the Least Invasive Weight Loss Surgery?

Today, gastric sleeve, or vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is the least invasive weight loss surgery option available. Compared to more invasive weight loss surgical procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), gastric sleeve comes with fewer risks and a quicker recovery time.

Why Lap-band No Longer Leads the Pack

The adjustable Lap-band was once recommended as the least invasive surgery option. It involves the placement of an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach to restrict food intake, with no permanent changes to the stomach itself. This made it an attractive option for patients seeking a less invasive procedure.

However, over time, the Lap-band has fallen out of favor due to its ineffectiveness and long-term complications. Issues like band slippage, band erosion, and gastric reflux have led to a higher rate of revision surgeries. Many patients eventually have the band removed and often regain any weight they’ve lost.

As a result, most medical professionals no longer recommend Lap-band as a weight loss solution. It has been largely replaced by more reliable surgeries, like gastric sleeve, and non-surgical alternatives.

Gastric Sleeve Is Less Invasive Than Gastric Bypass

Gastric sleeve surgery accounts for about 57% of the weight loss procedures performed in the US. It involves the removal of about 80% of the stomach, leaving behind a smaller, sleeve-shaped pouch. The stomach’s capacity is significantly reduced, so patients feel fuller faster and eat less. 

While gastric bypass surgery is highly effective for significant weight loss, it is more invasive because it involves more complex changes to the digestive system. In this surgery, the stomach is divided to create a smaller pouch and a portion of the small intestine is rerouted to connect with this pouch. These alterations not only limit how much food can be consumed but also reduce calorie absorption.

Compared to gastric bypass, gastric sleeve requires fewer incisions. The surgery is less complex, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and patient recovery time. The potential risk of complications is also lower, with about 10% of patients experiencing surgical complications and side effects like severe gastric reflux (GERD).

Patients can typically return to daily activities in 2-4 weeks, depending on their individual healing process. Gastric bypass, on the other hand, requires a more extended hospital stay and recovery period due to the more complex nature of the surgery and the need for greater postoperative monitoring.

Why Non-Invasive Weight Loss Procedures are the New Standard

Today, advancements in medical technology have made non-invasive weight loss surgery alternatives available to many patients. These non-surgical procedures offer significant benefits, including the ability to achieve substantial weight loss without surgery. Here’s why Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and the gastric balloon are quickly becoming the new standard for weight loss.

No Hospital Stay

ESG and gastric balloon are both performed on an outpatient basis, meaning no hospital stay is required. ESG Stomach Tightening takes only about an hour to perform, while the gastric balloon can be put in place in just 15 minutes. Patients can go home the same day, making the entire process more convenient and less disruptive to daily life.

Faster Recovery Time and Return to Daily Activities

With non-invasive procedures like ESG and gastric balloon, most patients can return to their daily routine, including exercise, within 1-3 days. This shorter recovery time means less downtime and less time off work, allowing patients to get back to their daily routines quickly.

Lower Risk of Complications

ESG and the gastric balloon are both performed endoscopically. There are no external incisions or permanent alterations to the body. This significantly reduces the risk of surgical complications like infections, blood clots, and post-surgical pain, which are more common with traditional weight loss surgeries.

No Incisions or Scars

Non-invasive procedures like ESG and gastric balloon don’t require any external incisions. This means there are no visible scars, which can be an appealing benefit for those concerned about the cosmetic impacts of surgery.

Exceptional Weight Loss Potential Without Invasive Surgery

Non-invasive procedures like ESG and gastric balloon offer impressive weight loss results. Patients who undergo ESG Stomach Tightening can expect an average of 18-20% weight loss within the first year, while patients with a gastric balloon can expect to achieve 10-15% weight loss during the six months that the balloon is in place.

Is a Non-Invasive Weight Loss Procedure Right for You?

If you’re looking for the least invasive weight loss surgery, you may be wondering if a non-invasive alternative is a better fit for you. Both ESG and the gastric balloon offer impressive results, but they’re designed for different types of patients with distinct goals. Let’s take a closer look at both options.

ESG Stomach Tightening

ESG Stomach Tightening, or Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty,  is typically recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 or 27-29.9 with obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, or fatty liver disease.

This 60-minute procedure reduces the stomach size by 60-75%, helping patients feel full more quickly and for more extended periods. It also reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin, which promotes satiety and reduces cravings. 

Since it doesn’t involve any permanent alterations to the body, ESG can be fully reversed if unexpected complications arise. The potential risks are significantly lower than gastric sleeve surgery, with fewer than 2% of patients experiencing complications.

Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is a 15-minute procedure recommended for patients with a BMI over 30 or 27-29.9 with obesity-related health conditions. It’s a temporary alternative designed specifically for patients who want to jumpstart their weight loss journey. 

During the procedure, a silicone balloon is placed inside the stomach, taking up space so patients feel fuller sooner, stay full longer, and ultimately eat less. The balloon remains in place for six months, during which time patients receive guidance and support to create healthy eating and lifestyle habits that help maintain a healthy weight after the balloon is removed.

Are You a Good Candidate for Non-Surgical Weight Loss?

Still not sure if you’re a good candidate for non-surgical weight loss? Our two-minute quiz will help you determine if you’re eligible and take the next step based on your unique health profile and goals.

Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey without Invasive Surgery?

Non-invasive weight loss procedures like ESG Stomach Tightening and the gastric balloon offer impressive results without the risks and lengthy recovery time of traditional surgery. Whether you’re looking for a one-and-done solution or a jumpstart to your weight loss journey, these procedures offer a safer, less invasive alternative for achieving effective weight loss. 

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free consultation with Bariendo to find out which procedure is right for you. Our team of highly skilled doctors and compassionate weight loss experts will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and goals.