Incisionless Weight Loss Procedures

Preparing for the Scan:

For the most accurate results, we recommend the following:

• Maintain normal fluid intake the day before the test, and hydrate one hour before the test.
• Empty your bladder before the test.
• Stand upright for five to 10 minutes before the test.
• Allow at least 20 minutes for your body to stabilize after exposure to a hot or cold environment.
• Don’t exercise before the test.
• Wait at least three hours after your least meal before the test.
• Don’t wear heavy clothing, accessories, or jewelry during the test.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol or excessive caffeine at least 24 hours before testing.
• Wipe your hands and bare feet with an alcohol wipe to remove any lotion or ointment.

During the Scan:

A bariatric surgery coordinator will be present to walk you through the following steps:

• Stand barefoot, with heels positioned on the rear foot electrodes and toes aligned properly. Don’t move during the scan.
• Grip the hand electrodes (handles) firmly, placing your thumbs on the oval sensors, and hold your arms straight out at about a 45-degree angle from your torso.
• Keep your arms and legs straight and slightly apart, avoiding contact with your torso or between limbs, to ensure accurate segmental measurements.
• You’ll be expected to remain on the scale, without moving, for at least 30 seconds.
• A safe, painless electrical signal will pass throughout your body as you stand on the scale and grip the handles.

After the Scan:

The full scan takes about 30 seconds to produce your results. The scale will generate a report, which the bariatric surgery provider will review with you. We recommend that you have a scan every two to four weeks to monitor your progress.

How It Works

Because a stitched, smaller stomach holds less food and liquid, it helps patients naturally eat fewer calories. This promotes a feeling of fullness sooner, supporting weight loss and healthier eating habits. It helps the body achieve and maintain a healthy weight while improving blood sugar control. This minimally invasive and straightforward is considered very safe and avoids the risks associated with more extensive surgery.

Advantages

• No incisions or scarring
• Same-day procedure for many patients
• Most patients return to daily activities within 2-3 days
• Can be performed in certain patients with high-risk medical conditions
• May be performed as first step for patients with obesity
• Potential candidates range from patients with obesity and a BMI between 30 and 50 kg/m2
• Effective weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions
• Retightening can be performed if sutures break or sleeve stretches

Disadvantages

• May worsen or cause new onset reflux and heart burn
• Less impact on metabolism, compared to more invasive bariatric surgeries

How It Works

The intragastric balloon works by reducing stomach capacity and slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. This encourages smaller portion sizes and supports weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle and behavior changes. After six months, the balloon is removed, and patients are encouraged to maintain their nutritious diet and active habits. Because the procedure is reversible, minimally invasive, and simple, it’s considered safe and leaves the door open for future weight loss treatments if needed.

Advantages

• No incisions or scarring
• Tolerated by most patients
• Reversible weight loss procedure, allowing for future more invasive treatment options
• Jump start for a healthier path
• Ideal for patients with obesity and a BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2

Disadvantages

• Maximum placement period is six months
• Less impact on long-term weight loss and metabolism, compared to more invasive bariatric procedures

How It Works

The gastric pouch and the opening to the small intestine are made smaller, which limits the amount of food and liquid a person can eat. This helps patients feel fuller faster and reduces hunger. As a result, weight regain after gastric bypass is minimized. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it carries fewer risks than a traditional surgical revision while still supporting similar overall weight loss.

Advantages

• No incisions are needed, so there are no scars
• Most patients can go home same day and resume normal activities within a few days
• Can be safely performed in some patients with certain high-risk medical conditions
• Offered as a revision option for patients who have had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Potential candidates typically have a BMI between 30 and 50 kg/m²
• Helps reduce weight regain after gastric bypass surgery

Disadvantages

• Less impact on metabolism and total body weight loss, compared to more invasive bariatric surgeries