Weight Loss Procedures: Surgical vs. Non-Surgical

We understand the challenges you face when dealing with weight issues and know the self-criticism that comes with it. You blame yourself and lack the willpower to achieve your goals. But weight loss is hard, and relying on willpower alone is ineffective.

At Transform Bariatrics in Greenbelt and Rockville, Maryland, our skilled bariatric surgeon, Dr. Hitesh Amin, understands the shame and self-blame that comes with weight loss struggles. But you don’t, and shouldn’t, do it all alone.

Thanks to advancements in bariatric medicine, we have the tools to help you reach your weight goals, including surgical and non-surgical weight loss treatment options. 

In this month’s blog, we will discuss our surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures, how they work, and who they help. Read on to learn more.

Surgical weight loss procedures

Weight loss surgery has made many advancements over the years. Though there are always risks with any procedure, it is safer, less invasive, and more effective than ever. 

It’s also grown in popularity. In 2022, more than 250,000 people in the United States had weight loss surgery. 

We perform many types of surgical weight loss procedures using the most advanced techniques, including:

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass was one of the first surgical weight loss procedures. During surgery, our surgeon creates a small stomach pouch and then attaches the stomach to a lower part of the small intestine. 

Gastric bypass helps you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat and decreasing calorie absorption.

Gastric sleeve

The gastric sleeve is the most popular weight loss surgery. For this procedure, we remove the outer part of your stomach, creating a sleeve-like pouch. 

Like gastric bypass, the pouch limits the amount of food you can eat. The procedure also removes the portion of the stomach that releases hunger hormones, so you feel less hungry. 

Single anastomosis duodenal switch (SADI)

SADI is one of the newest weight loss procedures. It combines elements of the gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. For this surgery, we create a sleeve-like stomach pouch and attach it to the lower part of your small intestine.

Non-surgical weight loss procedures

Advances in weight loss options also mean you can lose significant amounts of weight without surgery. Some of the non-surgical weight loss procedures we perform include:

Gastric balloon

The gastric balloon is a temporary non-surgical weight loss treatment. During the procedure, we use an endoscope to place and inflate a balloon in your stomach, limiting space to decrease the amount of food you can eat. 

The gastric balloon remains in place for about six months, helping you lose weight and learn healthy habits to keep it off. 

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)

ESG is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure. We use an endoscope and special tools to suture the stomach, creating a small stomach pouch for this technique. 

ESG is a same-day surgery.

Surgical vs. non-surgical

Reaching out for help with weight loss is a big step. We can discuss your options once we understand your health needs and goals.

Non-surgical weight loss procedures make an excellent choice for those not ready to change their anatomy permanently. It’s also an option for people who can’t have surgery due to medical history.

Surgical weight loss procedures are great options for people who need to lose weight quickly and are ready to eat healthy and exercise regularly. 

We also provide prescriptive diets, weight loss medications, and injections to help our patients achieve their weight goals. Each method works for some, but we can create a plan that gives you the support and tools to reach your goals. 

You can succeed at weight loss with expert help. Are you ready to lose weight for good? Call our office today or request an appointment online.