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New endoscopic treatments expand weight loss options
New endoscopic treatments expand weight loss options
by Denise B. Hensley
An innovative endoscopic treatment is now being offered at Houston Methodist to provide a minimally invasive option for weight loss, expanding strategies for individuals struggling with obesity.
Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment option, but only 1% of eligible patients undergo the procedure. Helping to bridge the gap for effective and safe therapies, Thomas R. McCarty, MD, MPH, recently began offering novel endoscopic bariatric and metabolic procedures.
Thomas R. McCarty, MD, MPH
Endoscopic treatments are attractive to patients because they are less invasive compared to surgery, the procedure is incisionless, and it allows patients to go home the same day with little-to-no downtime.
“I’m totally invested – not just in this procedure but in diet, exercise, behavior modification and follow-up to help my patients be successful,” explains McCarty. The addition of endoscopic metabolic and bariatric therapies is a unique approach that makes Houston Methodist among the most comprehensive weight loss programs in the nation.
Originally from Houston, Dr. McCarty trained in Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine with specialized training in Gastroenterology, Bariatric Endoscopy and Interventional Endoscopy at Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He then joined Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates and successfully launched the endoscopic bariatric program within the last year.
Endoscopic bariatric interventions are more effective than traditional lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy and associated with a 15-20% total weight loss. McCarty points out that diet and exercise are essential to any weight loss program, but these interventions alone typically result in only 1-3% total weight loss. Pharmacotherapies are also effective but have side effects and carry the risk of weight regain once discontinued.
These procedures are ideal for patients who may not be bariatric surgery candidates, those who wish to avoid surgery, or individuals with a history of bariatric surgery but have developed weight regain,
Thomas R. McCarty, MD, MPH
To perform endoscopic procedures, the physician enters through the patient’s mouth with a gastroscope to reduce the size or outlet of the stomach. This promotes safe, durable weight loss results. These minimally invasive endoscopic interventions can be individualized, combined with weight loss drugs and tailored uniquely to create a comprehensive treatment approach.
“These procedures are ideal for patients who may not be bariatric surgery candidates, those who wish to avoid surgery, or individuals with a history of bariatric surgery but have developed weight regain,” says McCarty, who is triple board certified in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, and Gastroenterology.