What You Need to Know About Incision-Free Weight Loss

Incision-free weight loss is a revolutionary procedure, similar to gastric bypass surgery, that does not require an incision. Using an endoscope and other specialized equipment, a surgeon will go through a patient’s mouth to create a small pouch in the stomach that restricts how much the patient can comfortably eat. This will allow the patient to lose weight, without requiring major surgery.

What are the Different Types of Incision-Free Weight Loss Procedures?

There are currently five different types of incision-free procedures. These include the:

• EndoBarrier Sleeve: The EndoBarrier sleeve is a device that is placed in the upper intestine. This changes the way that food travels through the intestines, which studies have shown, may help patients lose weight. This sleeve can be implanted through the mouth and does not require surgery.
• Gastric Balloon: The Gastric Balloon is a silicone balloon that is filled with water or air and placed in the stomach. This decreases the amount of available space in the stomach and keeps a patient from overeating. However, this procedure is not yet available in the United States.
• Transoral ROSE: During this procedure, a surgeon creates multiple folds in a patient’s stomach to shrink the stomach and increase the amount of time it takes for food to pass through. This procedure is usually performed on patients that have regained weight after undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
• Transoral Gastroplasty Surgery: Also known a Toga surgery, this procedure requires a surgeon to staple the stomach to create a pouch, by using the mouth to access the stomach.
• StomaphyX: This procedure requires a surgeon to recreate a small pouch in the stomach, using the original pouch created during gastric bypass surgery. StomaphyX is only performed on patients that have already undergone gastric bypass, but have begun to gain weight.

The cost of incision-free weight loss surgery varies by the type of procedure as well as whether a patient’s insurance company will cover it. However, incision-free procedures generally cost less than regular surgery.

Why Choose Incision-Free Weight Loss?

Incision-free weight loss procedures are a great way for patients, who have not been successful losing weight through diet and exercise, finally achieve their weight loss goals. Incision-free procedures are ideal because they leave no scars and require much less recovery time. No incision means less pain, less risk of complications, and less time spent in the hospital.

What are the Risks?

Of course, there are some risks associated with incision-free weight loss procedures. A patient’s throat may hurt after the procedure and there is always the chance that the patient may begin to suffer from reflux, leakage, or that the band, staples, or sutures may loosen. However,as long as a patient is between the ages of 18 to 35, is in adequate health, and does not suffer from a drug, alcohol, or psychological problem, the chance of a negative side effect is slim.

How Much Should Patients Expect to Pay for Incision-Free Weight Loss?

The cost of incision-free weight loss surgery varies by the type of procedure that is performed, as well as whether a patient’s insurance company will cover the cost of the procedure. According to the Bariatric Network, Stomaphyx will run a patient anywhere from $9,500-$10,500. Incision-free procedures generally cost less than regular surgery, which is another great benefit to patients.

Free Consultation With a Board Certified U.S. Surgeon

We are here to help so if you have any questions or concerns regarding a procedure, please fill out the below form or call the toll free number at the top of this page and one of our experts will be glad to help you. We can even help you find a board certified surgeon in your area and schedule a free consultation!