Benefits of Endoscopic Bariatric Procedures

The purpose the research is to better understand the effects of endoscopic bariatric therapy (EBT) on the weight change, hormonal changes and changes in the quality of life parameters for patients undergoing endoscopic bariatric procedures.

The primary research procedures are:

• EBT procedure (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty [ESG] or transoral outlet reduction [TORe])
• Behavioral intervention consisting of diet therapy, exercise therapy, and behavior modification
• Collection of blood to evaluate changes in hormonal profiles

Inclusion criteria

• Patients who are considering undergoing EBT for weight loss
• Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 (without obesity related comorbidities)
• Patients with a BMI >27 kg/m2 (with obesity related comorbidities)
• Patients willing and able to comply with study requirements for follow-up
• Patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery who failed to lose the expected weight or regained weight
• Individuals 18 years old or older are included

Exclusion criteria

• Pre-existing esophageal stenosis/stricture preventing advancement of an endoscope during screening/baseline Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Esophageal, gastric or duodenal malignancy
• Severe medical comorbidities precluding endoscopy, or limiting life expectancy to less than 2 years in the judgment of the endoscopist
• Uncontrolled coagulopathy or inability to be off anticoagulation or anti-platelet medication (ASA, Plavix) for 1 week prior to and 2 weeks after each endoscopy
• Known portal hypertension, visible esophageal or gastric varices, or history of esophageal varices
• General poor health, multiple co-morbidities placing the patient at risk, or otherwise unsuitable for trial participation at the discretion of the investigator
• Pregnant or planning to become pregnant during period of study participation
• Patient refuses or is unable to provide written informed consent
• Prior surgical or endoscopic anti-reflux procedure
• Patients who are unwilling or unable to comply with the follow-up study schedule