A promising new approach to weight loss referred to as TOGA, or trans-oral gastroplasty, is showing encouraging preliminary results in an ongoing FDA study. The procedure is currently being investigated in clinical trials for it’s safety and effectiveness as a less invasive treatment for obesity. While we still have another year to wait for the study completion, we are hearing positive reports about the short-term results.

The TOGA weight loss system, which reduces the size of the stomach, offers many benefits as an obesity treatment. Unlike other types of weight loss surgery, it does not require incisions, does not rely on an implant like gastric banding, and does not involve altering the stomach or intestines as with gastric bypass surgery. The restrictive procedure promotes weight loss by slowing digestion and increasing satiety so that patients feel full faster and eat smaller portions.

The operation is performed endoscopically, a less-invasive method that allows a doctor to enter the stomach via the mouth and esophagus. Special medical instruments are used to reach the stomach and create a small sleeve which slows down the movement of food. Without the need for incisions, it leaves no scars on the skin, recovery is quicker, and does not have the risks or side effects associated with either open or laparoscopic surgery. The TOGA procedure takes about one hour and is performed on an outpatient basis.

The focus of the company behind the product, Satiety Inc., is to develop an obesity treatment that offers individuals an effective, less-invasive alternative to gastric bypass and lap band surgery. It is hoped that TOGA will be a viable option for obese individuals, including those who do not qualify for the current bariatric options because of health issues or are not comfortable with getting an implant or altering their digestive system through surgery.

Let’s hope the trial continues to show positive results and is successful in helping individuals achieve substantial, long-term weight loss and improvements in health.