Struggling to lose weight? These innovative solutions could help

As it did for many people, Ellen Frazier’s relationship with her body began to change during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I leaned into self-soothing behaviors,” she recalls. “Overeating, drinking more than usual or to excess – habits that were not supportive to my health.” 

Over the course of two years, Frazier gained 40 pounds. She tried to lose the weight by dieting, but it always came back, and with a few extra pounds to boot. She also got a prescription for weight loss medications known as GLP-1 injections, but they were too expensive to be a sustainable option for her in the long run.  

The turning point for Frazier came when she saw 260 pounds on the scale. In search of new solutions, she ultimately found information online about an innovative weight-loss procedure called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). 

It’s not surprising that this option was low on her radar; a recent survey of 2,000 women commissioned by Boston Scientific showed that nearly half were unaware of endoscopic procedures for weight loss. 

Learn more about two options Boston Scientific offers for people hoping to achieve significant weight loss. 

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) for weight loss 

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty configures the stomach into a smaller shape without making external incisions.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective ways for people living with obesity to lose, and keep off, weight successfully for the long term. While there are different surgical procedures available, they generally involve removing or rearranging parts of the gastrointestinal tract so that patients can eat less food and still feel full.  

One of the least invasive of the surgical options, a traditional sleeve gastrectomy, also known as “stomach stapling,” may require up to a month to recover, resume a normal diet and return to work at full capacity. 

But newer, less invasive procedures like ESG take a different approach.  

ESG is what’s called an endoscopic, or endobariatric, procedure: It configures the stomach into a smaller shape without making external incisions or removing organ tissue. First, while the patient is under anesthesia, a doctor passes a flexible tube called an endoscope through the  mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. A specialized sewing device mounted on the endoscope then sews the stomach from the inside to reduce its capacity by 70% to 80%. In a randomized clinical trial of 209 participants, patients typically went home the same day and returned to routine activities within a few days. 

Clinical evidence shows that ESG can result in significant, lasting weight loss when used in conjunction with a prescribed diet and exercise program. A randomized study found that one year after the procedure, patients who followed the program lost an average of over 13% of their total body weight, representing 49% of their excess body weight. Two years later, 68% of patients who followed the program had maintained most of their weight loss. 

Frazier ultimately decided to undergo ESG. Her doctor used the OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System to perform the procedure. Within a year, she had lost 85 pounds.* 

Gastric balloon for weight loss 

Another lesser known, but effective, endobariatric option for weight loss is a gastric balloon.

Another lesser known, but effective, endobariatric option for weight loss is a gastric balloon. During this outpatient endoscopic procedure done under anesthesia, a doctor passes a deflated balloon through the patient’s mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once confirmed to be in correct position, the balloon is filled with fluid until it is about the size of a grapefruit. This enables patients to feel full quicker after eating and stay full longer. 

After the procedure, patients follow a medically supervised program that involves support with diet, exercise and behavioral changes. 

A unique feature of the gastric balloon, including the Orbera™ Intragastric Balloon System, is that the device is temporary: It’s removed at six or 12 months, depending on the device, at which point it should have helped to kickstart weight loss. Patients continue to receive medical supervision for six months or longer to ensure they’re confident in the new habits they’ll need to keep the pounds off. A clinical study showed that, on average, patients using Orbera lost more than three times the weight of those who were on a diet and exercise program alone. 

Reducing obesity: How to achieve weight loss that lasts 

Even with the help of the latest medical technology, there’s no quick fix for long-term weight loss. 

“Obesity is a lifelong, chronic disease that requires holistic care – no one approach is going to work on its own,” says Brian Dunkin, M.D., chief medical officer, Endoscopy, Boston Scientific.  

The good news? “Patients now have multiple options and can work with their doctor to choose what combination is best for them,” Dunkin says. 

Ellen Frazier agrees. After her procedure, she had to learn to adjust to a new way of eating, starting with a liquid diet and gradually re-introducing solid foods. She credits her success to a combination of ESG, a balanced diet and regular exercise.  

“It requires a complete mindset shift,” she says. “Before having any type of procedure, take a deep look inward and find out what it is that makes you lean into food and overeating. Pour the energy into loving and knowing yourself first, and then the rest will fall into place.” 

Learn more about Endura Weight Loss Solutions and how Boston Scientific is helping people with obesity to lose weight.

***This story was updated on August 6, 2025.

_{^*Individual results may vary. In a randomized study, patients with class 1 or class 2 obesity (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2) who underwent ESG in conjunction with prescribed diet and exercise counseling achieved an average of 13.6% total body weight loss (TBWL) at year one, compared to 0.8% with lifestyle modification alone. In that study, 64.7% of patients who underwent ESG in conjunction with lifestyle changes lost at least 10% TBWL compared to 4.5% of patients with lifestyle modification alone. Approximately 21.2% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight. Optimal results were achieved when patients committed to long term lifestyle changes around diet and exercise. All procedures have risk, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Patients should consult with their doctor to discuss risks and benefits of any medical procedure.}