Mary-Ann Thurber, a resident of Edmonton, successfully shed over 80 pounds with the help of a prescribed weight-loss drug. However, she was unwilling to opt for surgery to prevent regaining the weight. Seeking a non-surgical solution, Thurber underwent an innovative procedure called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty at Royal Alexandra Hospital. This minimally invasive technique involves inserting a thin tube equipped with a camera into the stomach to reduce its size through internal stitching, all performed under general anesthesia.
The procedure, lasting approximately 90 minutes, is fully covered by Alberta Health Services with a referral to the hospital’s bariatric surgery clinic. Thurber expressed her increased activity level and boosted confidence following the procedure, emphasizing her newfound ease in public settings. Combining the weight loss from the drug Wegovy with the procedure, she successfully shed a total of 95 pounds, experiencing a swift recovery period enabling her to resume work shortly after.
Royal Alexandra Hospital stands out as a pioneer in Canada for utilizing this cutting-edge medical technology, having conducted 10 such procedures since December. Dr. Noah Switzer, a bariatric surgeon at the hospital, hailed the procedure as a game-changer in the field, emphasizing its incision-less nature and minimal discomfort for patients, enabling same-day discharge without visible incisions.
Dr. Switzer highlighted that the procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have responded well to anti-obesity medications but seek a long-term weight management solution. The complementary nature of the procedure aids in maintaining weight loss once patients discontinue medications. Nevertheless, for those aiming to lose over 15% of their body weight, more traditional surgeries like gastric bypass are recommended.
Dr. Kirles Bishay, a gastroenterologist at Royal Alexandra Hospital, underscored the facility’s pioneering status in Canada for offering this advanced medical device. Collaborating with Dr. Switzer, they have achieved optimal patient outcomes, with the procedure showcasing promising results. The cost-effectiveness of the procedure is significant for patients, potentially saving them from monthly expenses on anti-obesity medications, while also yielding substantial savings for the healthcare system.
The procedure’s benefits extend beyond weight loss, with patients experiencing improvements in various health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and fatty liver as they shed 10 to 15% of their total body weight. Thurber expressed gratitude for the swift access to the procedure, contrasting the lengthy wait times associated with conventional weight-loss surgeries. She now looks forward to a more active lifestyle, free from concerns like tight seatbelts on planes, embracing a newfound sense of freedom and vitality.