Endoscopic band ligation for weight loss: a case report with 6-month follow-up

Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is an established treatment for variceal bleeding and gastric antral vascular ectasia. We report its novel application for weight loss in a 47-year-old woman with morbid obesity (body mass index 55 kg/m², weight 140 kg) who had declined surgery and pharmacotherapy. The patient underwent EBL under propofol sedation with 15 bands placed in the gastric antrum using a standard multiband ligator. The procedure lasted 12 minutes. Early satiety and appetite suppression were reported. At 6 months, weight decreased to 90 kg (body mass index 35), with 36% total weight loss and 67% excess weight loss. Endoscopy confirmed healing of postprocedure ulcers and marginal antral narrowing. No adverse events occurred. EBL appears to be a promising, safe, and cost-effective endoscopic technique for weight loss. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy and explore underlying mechanisms.