FAQ

1. What is bariatric embolization?
Bariatric embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood supply to a part of the stomach, decreasing the “hunger hormone” ghrelin to help lower appetite and support weight loss¹².

2. How does it help with weight loss?
Blocking blood flow to the stomach’s fundus lowers ghrelin production, which can help individuals eat less and lose weight¹.

3. Who qualifies for bariatric embolization?
Candidates are typically adults looking to lose about 10 percent more in weight loss or those who have not succeeded with other weight loss methods and are not suitable for surgery¹².

4. How effective is this treatment?
Patients typically lose 7–13% of their total body weight, with those making lifestyle changes seeing the best results¹.

5. How does it compare to bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery generally yields greater weight loss but carries more risks, while embolization is less invasive and suited for those seeking a nonsurgical option¹.

6. Is bariatric embolization safe?
It is generally safe; most reported side effects are mild and temporary, such as nausea or mild abdominal pain, with no reported deaths or serious complications¹.

7. What risks or side effects are possible?
While the majority of side effects are minor, complications such as stomach ulcers or rare vascular issues can occur and are monitored for in follow-up care¹.

8. What is the recovery time?
Most patients return home the same or next day and resume normal activities within several days¹².

9. Will the effects last?
Benefits can persist for a year or more, though arteries may reopen in some instances and repeat procedures might be needed¹.

10. Will insurance cover the procedure?
No, most insurance companies will not cover left gastric artery embolization for weight loss for patients with BMI <40, similar to not covering liposuction or cosmetic surgery¹.

11. Can this help diabetes or metabolic syndrome?
Some patients see improvements in blood sugar control, though results vary and ongoing research is focused on these outcomes¹.

12. Are there people who should not get this procedure?
People with prior gastric bypass surgery, severe organ disease, certain allergies, or bleeding disorders may not be candidates. Comprehensive evaluation is required¹.

13. What should I expect on the day of the procedure?
A small catheter is positioned through the groin or wrist using X-ray guidance and patients typically receive sedation or local anesthesia¹².

14. What follow-up care is needed?
Follow-up consists of clinic visits, blood work, and sometimes imaging studies to ensure safe recovery and monitor weight loss¹.

15. Can bariatric embolization be performed while taking GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide)?
Yes, but care teams will coordinate to optimize safety and medication may be paused around the time of the procedure³⁴.

16. Is it safe to combine both treatments?
Evidence suggests combining them can be safe, but more pronounced appetite suppression, nausea, or dehydration may occur, requiring close medical supervision³⁴.

17. Will I lose more weight using both treatments?
Using both together may enhance weight loss for some, but research on the effects of simultaneous use is ongoing³⁴.

18. Can I resume GLP-1 drugs after embolization?
GLP-1 medications are generally restarted after recovery unless otherwise directed by the care team³⁴.

19. Will I need as much GLP-1 drug after embolization?
Some may require less medication if appetite and weight decrease significantly, but any medication change should be individualized³⁴.

20. What monitoring is needed if I receive both?
Frequent follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor for overlapping side effects and to help optimize long-term outcomes³⁴.