What are the main non-surgical alternatives to weight loss surgery?
Written in association with:
Surgeon
Published: 21/09/2023
Edited by: Conor Lynch
In this article below, esteemed consultant general surgeon, Mr Michael Van den Bossche, talks about weight loss surgery, including the ideal candidates for the surgery, and the main non-surgical alternatives to weight loss surgery.
What are the main non-surgical alternatives to weight loss surgery?
Non-surgical alternatives to weight loss surgery include dieting, the use of injections, and the use of intra-gastric balloons. The use of injections has become very popular recently. There is a drug that is commonly used to treat diabetes which produces a side effect of weight loss.
Balloons have been around for a long time, and can remain in the stomach for either four months, six months, or a year. They are the cheapest option, but surgery provides more long-lasting results.
Is surgery the most effective way to lose weight?
For people with a BMI over 35 or 40, weight loss surgery is the most efficient way to lose weight. This is especially true for people with sleep apnoea, Type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.
Who might be better suited for non-surgical alternatives?
The patients who I believe are most suited to non-surgical alternatives are definitely those for lower BMIs.
Who might be a better suited candidate for surgery?
The best candidates for surgery are those who have high BMIs, people who are morbidly obese, and people who have significant comorbidities.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, book an appointment with Mr Michael Van den Bossche via his Top Doctors profile today.