Introduction
Obesity has been classified as the epidemic of the 21st century.
Along these lines, advances in medicine regarding obesity treatments have been significant in recent decades. Today there is a revolutionary intervention without surgery, called Primary Endoluminal Obesity Surgery (POSE), which has become a very good alternative for those who do not want to undergo surgery.
What is the POSE method?
The POSE method is the reduction of the stomach without incisions and is performed endoscopically, making a series of folds in the stomach to reduce the ability to eat. This intervention has been classified as one of the safest and least invasive surgical options for the treatment of obesity,
Likewise, this technique acts directly in the fundus area, a place that helps us feel full.
The great advantage of this intervention is that the patient does not need post-operative care as in the case of other treatments and surgeries for obesity.
How do I know if I am a candidate for the POSE method?
If the Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds 27-30 (weight/height) the patient is overweight or moderately obese, then this is the most attractive treatment to solve the problem in the long term.
Obesity is currently considered a chronic disease, because it brings many complications such as diabetes, heart failure, stomach cancer, hypercholesterolemia, vascular disease and coronary heart, fatty liver, among others, so it is important to find an effective solution for each case.
Likewise, the bariatric surgeon will assess the patient and recommend that he undergo a bariatric intervention, using the POSE method since it is one of the most advanced weight loss treatments on the market and it is a simple procedure that lacks major complications.
In addition, it is recommended for patients who have weight control problems, even under a strict diet and medical supervision. It is important to highlight that the final decision will be made by the doctor together with the patient, to find the best solution to the obesity problem, as each case may be. There is also the possibility of more invasive treatments such as the gastric balloon, the gastric band or the gastric sleeve.
POS E method treatment is contraindicated for:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Eating disorder patients
- Patients with stomach problems
- People with previous digestive operations
How do I choose my bariatric surgeon?
To correctly choose the bariatric surgeon it is important that the patient is informed about the procedure, what are the pros and cons, associated risks and can point out all the doubts that arise at the time of the investigation.
After this previous investigation, it is important that the patient inquires about the different clinics that perform this procedure, reviewing their website, the facilities and the opinions or reviews of the different patients who have undergone the treatment. This, in order that you can make an informed decision that transmits security and confidence
How is the first consultation?
During the first consultation, the surgeon will carry out an exhaustive analysis of the patient where it will be determined through examinations whether the patient is suitable for treatment or not, since, despite the fact that it is an intervention without surgery, the protocols established for each procedure must be followed. doctor in which general anaesthesia is administered.
In the event that the patient is suitable for treatment, the doctor will explain in detail the procedure, what are the pros and cons, the results to expect and the aftercare that you should consider.
Likewise, during the first consultation it is important for the patient to write down all the doubts to be able to clarify them together with the treating doctor and, if possible, be accompanied so that no consultation is left in the pipeline.
How is the POSE method performed?
The Pose Method is performed, thanks to the latest generation surgical tools, endoscopically and does not include incisions. It consists of making several folds in the stomach at the level of the gastric fundus (bottom of the stomach) and the pyloric antrum. Thanks to this technique, ghrelin secretion is worked on, the hormone responsible for producing the sensation of satiety, the stomach’s capacity is reduced, slowing down its emptying and causing the patient to lose up to 45% of their excess weight.
The intervention lasts around 50 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia. As it is a procedure without incisions and considered low risk, the patient is generally admitted to the establishment on an outpatient basis, but that will ultimately be determined by the specialist,
How do I prepare for the procedure?
It is important that you follow all the instructions provided by the specialist to the letter to properly prepare for the procedure.
In this line, you should not eat liquid or solid food for 8 hours before the scheduled time for the procedure. It is important to be accompanied on the day of the intervention since apart from having support.
What are the main advantages of the POSE method?
The main advantages of this novel method are innumerable, among which we can highlight:
- Low-risk endoscopic technique
- Recovery is very fast
- It does not leave scars or wounds
- Low risk of infection or complications
- Less pain
How is the recovery after undergoing treatment with the POSE method?
Recovery from the POSE method is very fast and almost painless. In general, patients take about 2-3 days to return to their normal routine and activities, =
After the intervention, the doctor will give you a liquid-based diet for 10 days.
Treatment consists of:
- First week: a liquid diet.
- Second week: semi-liquid diet.
- Third week: pasty diet.
- Fourth week: soft diet.
The patient should avoid during his recovery and treatment:
- Fizzy or sugary drinks.
- Alcohol consumption
- Do not drink water between meals (drink water 30 minutes after eating).
- Avoid lying down after meals.
- Avoid foods that are bloated or flatulent.
- Avoid acidic liquids like lemon or orange juice.
- Avoid spicy foods.
What are the results?
The patient can perceive almost immediate results since he begins to lose weight from the second day after the intervention. Despite this, it is essential that for the results to be long-term and sustained, the patient is re-educated in terms of their eating habits and lifestyle, following a complete program and nutritional plan,
Likewise, the results that can be perceived are the following:
- Improve self-esteem
- Less risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduction of cholesterol levels
- Blood pressure reduction
- Improved security
- Improves anxiety levels
- Relieves joint and muscle pain caused by being overweight
- Long-term results with patient commitment
Is there any kind of complication or risk?
Being a non-surgical intervention, this treatment presents few risks to the patient’s health, but the following symptoms may occur within a few hours of the operation:
- Sickness
- Dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- In very rare cases, intra-abdominal haemorrhage may occur
Frequent questions
- How are gastric band, balloon, and the POSE method different? On the one hand, the gastric band is a silicone ring that incorporates a balloon that swells inside the stomach and that can be controlled through a valve that is placed under the skin. On the other hand, the POSE method is an endoscopic suture (through the making of folds in the stomach) to reduce its capacity. This treatment attempts to imitate the gastric sleeve but is performed by laparoscopic surgery.
- Is the weight lost with the POSE method regained? That will depend on whether the patient is able to change their eating habits and lead a healthy life, as mentioned by the experts from the
- Can a 17-year-old patient undergo the POSE method? The specialists of mention that it is since it is essential that the patient, regardless of their age, can avoid future health problems with obesity, such as metabolic syndrome.
- How do you know if someone is a candidate for the POSE method? To do this, several factors must be taken into account. On the one hand, the patient must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 27, evaluate what type of dining room the patient is (this is reviewed by a psychologist in conjunction with a nutritionist) and make sure that stomach surgeries have not been performed before.
