Our program is the only one of its kind in Vermont and New Hampshire. We offer nonsurgical, minimally invasive obesity treatment options. These options provide new pathways to weight loss for people who do not qualify or prefer not to undergo bariatric surgery.
What is bariatric endoscopy?
Bariatric endoscopy procedures are nonsurgical, minimally invasive treatment options for obesity. Bariatric endoscopy procedures are performed through the mouth. They do not require any surgical incisions.
Who is a candidate for bariatric endoscopy?
You may be a candidate for a bariatric endoscopy if you:
- Are unable to have or do not qualify for bariatric surgery
- Do not want to have bariatric surgery
- Experienced weight gain after bariatric surgery
- Have been diagnosed with obesity by a medical professional
- Have not achieved your health goals with lifestyle changes or anti-obesity medication
- Prefer to try other treatments before considering bariatric surgery
What happens during a bariatric endoscopy procedure?
During a bariatric endoscopy procedure, your doctor will:
- Insert a flexible tube-like device called an endoscope into your mouth.
- Guide the endoscope through your esophagus and into your stomach.
- Use the light and a camera at the tip of the endoscope to see the inside of your stomach.
- Use special tools inserted through the endoscope to perform the procedure.
What types of bariatric endoscopy procedures do you offer?
We perform all types of bariatric endoscopy procedures. These include primary and revision procedures to promote weight loss and overall health.
Primary bariatric endoscopy procedures
We perform primary procedures to promote weight loss in people who have not had bariatric surgery. These procedures work by shrinking the size of your stomach or taking up space in your stomach so it can hold less food. They also cause your stomach to slow down emptying of food into the small intestines, promoting feelings of fullness after eating smaller meals.
Primary procedures include:
- Gastric remodeling endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ESG) procedures: Your surgeon will use sutures to shrink the size of your stomach from the inside. It also causes the stomach to slow down the movement of food into your small intestines.
- Intragastric balloon procedure: Your surgeon will place a silicone-filled balloon inside your stomach. The balloon takes up space, so your stomach can’t hold as much food and delays gastric emptying.
Revision bariatric endoscopy procedures
We perform revision procedures on people who have previously had bariatric surgery and experienced weight gain in the following years. Procedures include:
- Endoscopic sleeve revision: For people who have had a sleeve gastrectomy and are experiencing weight gain due to stomach expansion
- Gastric bypass revision: For people who have had a gastric bypass and are experiencing weight gain due to expansion of the gastric outlet
What are the benefits of bariatric endoscopy?
Bariatric endoscopy offers several advantages when compared to traditional bariatric surgery, including:
- Faster recovery time
- Lower risk of complications
- Minimal or no permanent changes to your gastrointestinal tract
- No surgical incisions
- The option to have bariatric surgery or an endoscopic revision in the future, if needed
Is bariatric endoscopy right for me?
Our providers will help you determine whether bariatric endoscopy is the right choice for you. Things you and your doctor will consider include your:
- Weight loss goals: Bariatric endoscopy results in less weight loss when compared to traditional bariatric surgery.
- Personal preferences: Bariatric surgery involves surgically remodeling your gastrointestinal tract. Some bariatric endoscopy treatments are fully reversible or make minimal permanent changes.
- Lifestyle: Bariatric endoscopy procedures have a shorter recovery time than traditional bariatric surgery.
What happens after bariatric endoscopy?
Our team will work closely with you to provide the support you need. This includes optimizing your diet, lifestyle, and overall health after your procedure. You will receive ongoing follow-up care from our Weight Center team to reduce your risk of weight gain over time.