Endoscopic Suturing and Weight Loss

Endoscopic Suturing and Weight Loss

One of the most common uses for endoscopic suturing is as a weight loss procedure for obese individuals. It is typically recommended for those with a body mass index exceeding 30, for whom diet and exercise have not led to expected weight loss. The procedure uses an endoscopic suturing device to reduce the size of your stomach.

The procedure is very similar to another option, which is a surgical sleeve gastrectomy. The advantage of endoscopic suturing is that there is no need for surgery. Instead, the procedure is minimally invasive with less risk of complications. As with any weight loss procedure, a healthier lifestyle is the only thing that ensures success and keeping the weight off in the long-term.

What Happens During Endoscopic Suturing?

This procedure will take place at a hospital or other medical facility. You will be placed under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure. After you are sleeping comfortably, the physician will insert an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera, light, and suturing device) into your mouth and down to your stomach.

Your doctor will use the inserted video camera to view your stomach and operate by making small incisions in the surrounding tissue. There will be around a dozen sutures placed in the body. This will result in changing the structure of your stomach, shaping it to look more like a tube. What this does is restrict the amount of food you can eat and calories your body can absorb.

You can expect for the procedure to take approximately one to two hours, with most patients going home on the day of the procedure. In some rare cases, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight for observation purposes.

What Can I Expect Following the Procedure?

You will be asked not to eat for a number of hours after the procedure takes place. When you begin to eat again, you will start with a liquid diet and continue this for about a week. A couple of weeks following the procedure, you will be switched to semisolid foods, and at some time following that, you will be able to move on to a healthy, typical diet.

Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About?

There are very few side effects from this procedure, and most patients have little or no discomfort. However, the side effects that have been reported include lip pain, swollen tongue, sore throat, nausea, and gas pain.

Is Endoscopic Suturing an Option Following Bariatric Surgery?

For those who have regained weight following bariatric surgery, endoscopic suturing is an option that is available. You should always speak with your doctor or dietician about gaining control of your diet and any other alternatives you might be considering. Many people who have had bypass surgery are confused by gaining weight again, but it can happen as the stomach pouch stretches out over time. If that is the case for you, suturing is an option that can reduce the size of the pouch, as well as its opening. This can help curb the desire to eat more food.

Endoscopic Suturing procedure in Dallas, Tx

If you are interested in learning more about endoscopic suturing and the many medical conditions that it can offer relief for, you should speak with Dr. Prashant Kedia. Dr. Kedia is a gastroenterologist who is well-versed in modern procedures and capable of execution of endoscopic suturing. He can answer all of your questions by phone or email. You can also make an appointment to stop in and speak with him in person.

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