Nicholson Clinic

As obesity remains at epidemic levels across the United States and elsewhere, bariatric surgery has become a mainstay in helping those who are morbidly obese shed pounds effectively. While many new treatments, both surgical and not, have been introduced in recent years, two main procedures are still the most popular in the United States. The gastric bypass and the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy have been around for a while, but together account for more than 90 percent of all bariatric surgical procedures performed. Both operations are designed to help people who are deemed dangerously overweight lose pounds while offering long-term maintenance assistance. Although permanent in their effects on the body, the two procedures are favored because of the long track records of proven success they hold. The two procedures have the same basic aim, but do go about it in slightly different manners: •    Gastric bypass – This procedure involves a two-step process that is designed...

Not everyone who might benefit from weight loss surgery can obtain it. Costs, side-effect concerns or the physical inability to endure a surgical procedure may simply take this option off the table for some. A relatively new alternative, may offer the help some people need to gain control of their weight once and for all. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure is designed to mimic the sleeve gastrectomy without the invasiveness of surgery. This procedure is performed using an endoscope instead of a scalpel. Much like the gastrectomy, gastroplasty shrinks the stomach’s holding capacity. Instead of removing portions of the stomach to achieve the goal, the procedure involves cinching the stomach in order to reshape it. The end result is a stomach that is shorter and narrower, much like the outcome of the gastrectomy. Since it is performed using an endoscope and a special suturing device, there is no need for incisions. The gastroplasty procedure has been approved for use by the FD...