When You Should Consider Nonsurgical Weight Loss

Have you made a New Year’s resolution to lose weight? If so, you’re not alone. About 49.1% of American adults try to lose weight each year, primarily through diet and exercise, but sometimes these methods fail to deliver the results you need.

Gastroenterologist Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic Medical Group understand that obesity is a complex disease and not merely a lack of willpower. That’s why we take a physician-driven approach to treating each of our patients.

Because weight gain is complicated by many factors, we know that no people share the same weight loss journey. While surgical weight loss might be right for some, it’s not the right path for everyone.

In this blog, Dr. Ibegbu discusses when you should consider nonsurgical weight loss and what your options are.

When is nonsurgical weight loss the best choice?

If you look at your weight loss options, consider your body mass index (BMI), how long you’ve been overweight, and what previous weight loss methods you have tried.

BMI

Your BMI plays a big role in which weight loss options are available to you. The BMI formula 一 kg/m² 一 indicates how much body fat you carry in relation to your height. This number indicates whether you are underweight, overweight, obese, or mordidly (severely) obese.

If your BMI is 40+ (or 35 with a diagnosis of diabetes), you may qualify for bariatric surgery. If your BMI is less than 35, you may qualify for a nonsurgical weight loss procedure.

A BMI between 18 and 25 is in the normal range, but if you’ve gained weight recently, you should consider a weight loss program to ensure your weight stays in a healthy range. This could include lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and an exercise routine.

Your unique timeline

Another factor in determining your candidacy for a nonsurgical weight loss procedure is how many years you’ve been overweight. For instance, if you’ve gained weight rapidly, you may need to undergo testing to rule out medical conditions that have caused weight gain.

On the other hand, if you’ve struggled with your weight for several years, a nonsurgical weight loss procedure might be right for you.

You’re ready for a change

If you’ve tried numerous diets but just can’t keep the weight off, a nonsurgical weight loss procedure can make all the difference. At Atlantic Medical Group, we only offer nonsurgical weight loss procedures that are proven effective.

Our nonsurgical weight loss options include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, the Obalon® Balloon System, ORBERA®, and AspireAssist®.

Each of these solutions works better than diet and exercise alone. For example, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can help you lose up to 20% of your body weight during your first year post-procedure.

You’re committed to the process

Even though nonsurgical weight loss doesn’t require any incisions, the best results still require a commitment to the process. Regardless of which nonsurgical weight loss procedure you choose, you take an active role in your weight loss journey.

For example, AspireAssist, an FDA-approved device, drains 30% of your stomach contents, but you need to learn when and how to use it. ORBERA, a gastric balloon, teaches you to eat healthier portion sizes.

Benefits of nonsurgical weight loss

There are many reasons to consider nonsurgical weight loss. First, the procedures are easier on your body since there is no need for general anesthesia and nothing is surgically removed from your body. Additionally, these procedures:

Are proven to help you lose weight
Complement healthy lifestyle choices
Boost your confidence
Help you reach your health and wellness goals

Not sure which type of weight loss procedure is right for you? Dr. Ibegbu excels at matching the right procedure with each patient. To learn more about your options, schedule an appointment at our Kinston or Jacksonville, North Carolina, location.