While diet and exercise alone can help people lose weight, they don’t work for everyone. Fortunately, bariatric surgery can effectively help with weight loss. Thanks to new technologies, the obese care industry has transformed significantly. Discussed below are bariatric innovations that are changing weight loss treatment.
Robotic bariatric procedures
Robotic bariatric surgery utilizes robotic systems to conduct weight loss procedures. Skilled robotic bariatric experts use these systems to make clear alterations and incisions to the digestive system, leading to significant weight loss. The robots used in these procedures provide a level of control that conventional surgical methods cannot match. The robots’ arms can rotate and move in ways a human hand can’t, facilitating unparalleled precision.
The precision this procedure offers results in fewer complications and quick recovery times. Robotically-assisted bariatric surgery provides a clear, 3D view of the operation site, allowing for minimally invasive treatments via small incisions. Robotic surgery’s minor incisions can reduce scarring and pain. These robotic systems’ enhanced control and precision lead to better surgical results.
Severely obese patients (those with a BMI of 40 and above or weighing 100 pounds more than their recommended weight) are ideal robotic bariatric surgery candidates. Although robotic bariatric surgery comes with a few manageable risks, seeking treatment from certified robotic gastric sleeve surgeons reduces the possibility of complications while guaranteeing safer, successful outcomes.
Artificial intelligence
While bariatric surgery is quite effective, it has possible complications and risks. Correctly predicting the surgery’s outcome is vital in preoperative counseling and patient selection. AI integration into weight loss treatment helps optimize patient outcomes while enhancing surgical decision-making.
AI algorithms can process extensive patient data sets to forecast the possibility of effective weight loss results and spot potential complications. Incorporating AI into predicting bariatric surgery outcomes has multiple benefits, including:
- Improved patient selection: Artificial intelligence algorithms can evaluate patient features and forecast the persons with high chances of achieving successful weight loss results. This enables bariatric surgeons to choose candidates suitable for the procedure
- Personalized treatment plans: Using AI algorithms, surgeons can create individualized treatment plans depending on patient-specific elements, minimizing risks and bettering surgical approaches
- Enhanced patient counseling: Precise outcome predictions support informed conversations between patients and surgeons, enabling patients to make informed choices concerning their treatment alternatives
- Continuous learning and enhancement: AI algorithms can constantly learn from the latest surgical experiences and patient data, resulting in predictive models’ ongoing rarefaction and improved precision over time
Acceptance-based behavioral treatments
According to a study, about one in five bariatric surgery patients have regained over 15% of their weight five years post-surgery. Weight regain is often associated with behavioral factors like reduced compliance with stringent post-operative diet suggestions. Acceptance-based behavioral treatments address the challenges patients face after surgery. They offer psychological skills to patients to boost their capability to engage in challenging behavior changes over time.
Since eating decisions are automatic and usually driven by external and internal cues, relying on this behavior to sustain long-term weight loss is difficult. Acceptance-based behavioral treatments teach them to make mindful decisions when selecting what to eat and when to eat or stop. In addition, they learn to willingly go through less pleasurable experiences instead of attempting to change them.
Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs)
JITAIs are a progressive form of mobile health (mHealth). They use integrated mHealth wearables and apps to deliver interventions. The latest mHealth innovations are opening real-time sensing possibilities to establish adaptive interventions. The JITAIs leverage wearable sensors to wirelessly link to devices like smartwatches to monitor patient behavior constantly.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is a weight-loss surgery where small incisions are done in the upper of the abdomen. During the surgery, a surgeon places an adjustable band around your stomach’s upper part, creating a very tiny stomach pouch. This makes you feel full after having less food, helping cut weight.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding treats severe obesity and is suitable for those who’ve tried other means of losing weight without any long-term success. Your doctor may recommend this treatment if your BMI is between 35 and 40 or above 40 and you have a health condition like:
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is effective, it isn’t without risks. Blood clots in the legs, bleeding, and infection are possible side effects you may experience after any surgery, including laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Others include:
- Slipping of the band
- Stomach puncturing
- Food not getting into the stomach
- Food intolerance post-surgery
For significant weight loss with this band, you must remain physically active.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive weight loss treatment that treatment doesn’t involve any cuts. Rather, a suturing device is put into your throat and down to the belly. Your healthcare provider then stitches your stomach to reduce it, restricting the amount of food you can eat. This results in substantial weight loss.
Since this endoscopic procedure is minimally invasive, it minimizes the possibility of complications while allowing for a swift return to normal activities. To ensure endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty’s long-term success, you must commit to a healthier lifestyle by changing your diet and exercising regularly. This procedure is suitable for those:
- With a BMI (body mass index) of over 30
- Who don’t want or aren’t eligible for traditional bariatric surgery
- Who have failed to maintain weight loss with lifestyle changes only
Note that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is not suitable for every overweight individual. Your healthcare team must perform a screening test to determine if the procedure will benefit you. Additionally, you must be ready to commit to healthy habits, routine medical follow-ups, and behavioral therapy.
Intragastric balloon
The intragastric balloon procedure is a weight loss treatment that involves putting a saline-filled silicone balloon in your belly to help you cut weight by making you feel full quickly and restricting the amount of food you can take. This treatment is ideal for those who have concerns regarding their weight, and exercise and diet have not worked for them. To ensure the procedure’s long-term success, you must be willing to embrace healthier living strategies. Intragastric balloon treatments aren’t for every overweight person. You must undergo screening to determine suitability.
Endnote
Bariatric innovations are transforming the weight loss industry by enhancing outcomes and improving patient experiences. Familiarize yourself with bariatric tech innovations, including robotic bariatric procedures, AI, acceptance-based behavioral treatments, JITAIs, and more, and how they’re changing weight loss treatments to pick the most suitable option for your needs.
