Bariatric Endoscopy

Over 40% of adults across all ages and genders struggle with obesity. Obesity, like any other medical condition, is a chronic condition that may require different treatment approaches overtime.

Many people believe that their only options are either diet and exercise and/or surgery, however there are alternative, more minimally-invasive and anatomy-preserving ways to lose weight such as endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapy (EBMT).

Data-backed minimally-invasive endoscopic procedures have shown to significantly help people combat obesity, especially those who are not candidates for surgery, have not been successfully losing weight through diet and/or exercise, or who prefer a non-surgical alternative.

These procedures can also lower the risk of serious weight-related problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, fatty liver disease, reflux, sleep apnea, diabetes, and arthritis.

What We Treat:

Patients with BMI of 27 or greater
Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance
Patients who do not meet criteria for weight loss surgery
Patients who do not desire surgery
Patients with weight recurrence after weight loss surgery
Patients who wish to augment weight loss through endoscopic weight loss therapies
Endoscopic Management of Bariatric Complications
Specialized GI care for patients with prior bariatric surgery (fistula, stenosis, leaks, biliary diseases, dumping syndrome)

What Are the Endoscopic Procedures?

Primary endoscopic procedures are performed on an elective basis and include Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and Intragastric Balloon Therapy (IGB). These newer procedures have a low complication rate, quicker recoveries, and require no skin incisions.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is an endoscopic procedure where internal stitches are placed in the stomach to reduce stomach volume and size. Being one of the most popular procedures, patients can anticipate losing up to 20% of their body weight combined with lifestyle changes.

The Intragastric Balloon is a fluid-filled balloon that occupies space in the stomach for up to six months in order to promote weight loss. Combined with lifestyle changes, this procedure has been effective in achieving a weight loss of up to 16%.

Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) is another endoscopic weight-loss procedure reserved for patients who have had a previous gastric bypass and have regained some or all of their weight.

Secondary endoscopic procedures consist of the latest minimally-invasive options to treat adverse events from prior bariatric surgical procedures. Latest endoscopic techniques and tools are provided for patients to ensure the best chance at recovery.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is one of the first centers on Long Island to offer these minimally-invasive weight loss procedures for patients which are performed by highly-trained Interventional Bariatric Gastroenterologist, Rashmi Advani, MD.

What Should I Expect?

At your initial consultation, you will be able to discuss each available procedure and which may be the right choice for you. Our weight loss program consists of a multidisciplinary approach where you will regularly meet with Dr. Advani and her dedicated team that consists of a dietitian, psychologist, and obesity-trained advanced practitioner to help ensure success throughout your weight-loss journey. We also may discuss weight loss medications and if other specialty services, such as endocrinology, cardiology, and/or bariatric surgery, may be beneficial in order to meet your individual needs.

About the Physician

Rashmi R. Advani, MD
Dr. Rashmi Advani is an Interventional and Bariatric Endoscopist who specializes in the endoscopic management of obesity and pancreaticobiliary diseases. Dr. Advani is the Director of Bariatric Endoscopy at Mount Sinai’s Center for Interventional Endoscopy and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Advani is triple board-certified in Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine. Dr. Advani obtained her medical degree at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, NY and completed internal medicine residency at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY. Dr. Advani completed general gastroenterology training at Stony Brook Hospital in NY and interventional gastroenterology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Advani is passionate about improving physical/mental wellness and creating equal access to care for her patients. She contributes to efforts that improve medical education, promote gender equity in medicine, and advance research in Gastroenterology. Her work is well-recognized and is published online and on her various social media platforms that are geared to provide easy access to evidence-based information on gastroenterological diseases. Dr. Advani also is a source for career mentorship to trainees at her local institutions and to hundreds of premedical and medical students across the country. Dr. Advani is published in peer-reviewed journals and has authored over 25 manuscripts (original, abstracts, book chapters). She serves on various committees and leadership roles for gastroenterological organizations such as American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), Scrubs and Heels, and Women in Endoscopy (WIE).