Houston VA Launches Incision-Free Weight Loss Procedure for Veterans
- Rene Lasanta has lost 34 pounds following an incision-free weight loss procedure performed at the Michael E.
- The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure involves passing a flexible scope through the mouth into the stomach.
- Shifa Umar, the interventional gastroenterologist leading the Houston VA's new endobariatric program, stated that the intervention addresses a specific treatment gap.
Rene Lasanta has lost 34 pounds following an incision-free weight loss procedure performed at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in July. The 24-year U.S. Army veteran, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 2007, underwent endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty as part of a new program launched by the facility to treat obesity and related health conditions.
Procedure Details at Houston VA Medical Center
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure involves passing a flexible scope through the mouth into the stomach. A specialized suturing device then makes the stomach smaller, reducing its capacity by 70 to 80 percent without surgery. The procedure typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Most Veterans return home the same day and resume their routine daily activities within two to three days.
Dr. Shifa Umar, the interventional gastroenterologist leading the Houston VA’s new endobariatric program, stated that the intervention addresses a specific treatment gap. ESG fills an important gap,
she said. It is for Veterans who haven’t reached their goals with diet, exercise, and medication, but who may not want or qualify for traditional weight loss surgery.
Dr. Umar also noted that obesity raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, joint pain, and liver disease.
Patient Recovery and Integrated Care Program
Following his July procedure at the Houston VA, Lasanta reported feeling better almost immediately. He adjusted to smaller portion sizes, experienced a noticeable increase in energy, and began walking more for exercise. I feel great,
Lasanta said. I’m adjusting to eating smaller portion sizes and my family has noticed I have more energy…I’m even starting to walk more for exercise.
The newly established endobariatric program operates in coordination with the VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program and Endocrinology, so Veterans get team-based care from start to finish. Veterans seeking further details about the ESG program are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider.