Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Reviews: Overcoming Obesity

The Biggest Misconception About Weight Loss

Over the years, many myths about weight loss have circulated and some are still argued. One of the biggest misconceptions that often fosters guilt and depression in overweight and obese individuals is that they are unable to lose weight due to their lack of willpower or because they are lazy. Several studies have been conducted that have shown this to be false information.

This type of thinking has caused such a social stigma in individuals which is so intense that many of them are embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. Untreated obesity leads to a wide range of health risks and serious diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

The experts at Simmons Advanced Weight Loss Solutions understand the complexities of obesity and how to effectively treat it. They work with patients to identify the issues that are hindering their weight loss efforts and put a plan in place to address these issues so they can succeed in reaching their weight loss goals.

What Factors Can Hinder Weight Loss?

Obesity is a complicated issue and the underlying factors that hinder weight loss efforts will be unique to each individual. Some of these factors may include the following:

Genetics

Over 400 genes have been associated with weight gain and obesity, affecting the metabolism, appetite, body fat distribution, cravings, and more. Why some individuals are genetically predisposed to obesity and weight gain is not known but some of these genes have been linked to difficulty in losing weight despite patient efforts (diets & exercise).
Also, environmental factors which they were exposed to in childhood (eating habits) can play a role in their ability to effectively lose weight.

Hormone Imbalance

Hormone imbalances can cause the retention of fat, especially as we age. Another thing our crazy hormones do to us after we lose a little bit of weight is they can make us want to eat more than we ever did before. This occurs because of a hormone called leptin that is released by fat cells and dictates the degree of cravings and hunger pangs we experience. Our levels of leptin drop as we lose weight, which sends up a red flag of distress to our brains, thus making us feel like we are starving.

Our Metabolism Can Work Against Us

The process that turns the food we eat into energy is called metabolism and everyone’s is different. Experts do not have a clear understanding of all the nuances, however. They also know that our metabolism adjusts to conserve as much energy as possible so when we cut calories, our metabolism slows down. This can be frustrating to someone who is trying to eat less and lose weight.

Excess Stress

When we do not have adequate ways to manage stress levels, our bodies manufacture a hormone called cortisol. This hormone promotes fat retention and makes it more difficult to lose weight.

Medications

Weight gain can be a side effect of some medications such as antidepressants for example. They can make you feel hungry, cause fluid retention, and can inhibit weight loss efforts.

How Is ESG Done?

The procedure is completed using an endoscope, which is a special medical device that is a long, hollow flexible tube with a tiny camera and a light attached to the end. The endoscope is gently lowered down the sedated patient’s throat and gives access to a special suturing tool that will be used to make the stomach smaller from the inside.

While guided by a video feed supplied by the tiny camera, the surgeon forms the patient’s stomach into a smaller tube-like shape and then secures this new shape with a series of sutures.