Non-Surgical Option May Offer Weight Loss Help

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on May 18th, 2016

A non-surgical procedure used to help control stomach bleeding in emergency situations may offer a new alternative to bariatric surgery for people who are obese. Researchers have found that a fairly simple procedure called a gastric artery embolization helps trigger weight loss.

The procedure has only been tested in a small sample of people, but the results so far have been rather promising. One study looked at about 30 patients who had the procedure to control stomach bleeding. The procedure, as it turned out, produced a beneficial side effect. Patients who had their left gastric artery treated in the procedure also experienced an 8 percent loss of body weight over the next few months. Another study focused on seven patients only. In that study, patients lost about 13 percent of their excess weight over the next half year. No serious complications were reported.

The bariatric artery embolization is a very simple procedure. It involves the injection of microscopic beads into the artery that is responsible for suppling blood to the stomach. This procedure is meant to staunch bleeding in the stomach. While much more study is required to determine if the bariatric artery embolization can be used as a viable weight-loss options, researchers are hopeful it may provide a first-step option that is less invasive than surgery.

Severe obesity has been connected with a number of serious health complications. People who are seriously overweight are at higher risk for the development of types 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer and other major health conditions. Losing weight has been shown to help reduce health risks while potentially enabling people to enjoy more active lives.

People who are overweight are strongly urged to discuss weight loss options with their healthcare providers. While bariatric artery embolization remains under investigation, there are a number of other options available to help people successfully and safely lose weight.

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One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.