Question 1

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Click the book now button below and select the appointment type, date, and time. Once your appointment is approved, you will receive a patient intake packet to complete electronically.

Question 2

What is the greatest predictor of success?

Accepted Answer

The greatest predictor of success is consistent follow up. Whether diet, pharmacologic, endoscopic, or surgical intervention, every study (and in clinical experience) has shown adherence and close follow-up with a multidisciplinary team to be paramount to weight maintenance.

Question 3

How much weight loss is  associated with improvements in obesity related co-morbidities?

Accepted Answer

Studies have revealed that as little as 5-10% total body weight loss (TBWL) is associated with improvements in obesity related comorbidities (HTN, DM, Fatty liver), 
and even mortality.

Question 4

How much weight loss is associated with improvements in weight related medical problems?

Accepted Answer

Studies have revealed that as little as 5-10% total body weight loss (TBWL) is associated with improvements in those weight related complications, improves quality of life, and even mortality!

Question 5

How much weight loss from pharmacologic therapy?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that with Qsymia (Phenteramine/Topiramate) there is 
increased weight loss when coupled with diet and exercise when compared with placebo, diet, and exercise.  At just three months the diet and exercise group lost about 5 lbs vs the 14.9 lbs in the recommended dose group and 18.9 lbs in the high dose group.    Contrave (Naltrexone/ Buproprion) has shown that at 56 weeks, over 62% of patients achieved >5% total body weight loss, with an average of 17 lbs weight loss vs 4lb in the placebo groups.

Question 6

What is the greatest predictor of success?

Accepted Answer

Every study and clinical experience has shown that the greatest predictor of success is adherence and close follow-up with a multidisciplinary team.

Question 7

How much weight loss from intragastric balloons?

Accepted Answer

In clinical trials, at 1 year >43% of patients lost> 10% total body weight loss (TBWL) and 62% >7% TBWL. But in clinical practice these results have been much more robust with consistent follow-up.

Question 8

How much weight loss is expected with anti-obesity  medications?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that with the combination medication Phentermine/Topiramate there is increased weight loss when compared with placebo, diet, and exercise alone.

Question 9

How much weight loss should I expect from an intragastric balloon?

Accepted Answer

While this may vary greatly, at 1 year about half of the patients lost greater than 10% of their total body weight and over half of the patients lost greater than 7% of their total body weight. However, in clinical practice these results have been much more robust with consistent follow-up.

Question 10

How is a gastric balloon inserted?

Accepted Answer

The intragastric balloon is inserted via an upper endoscope into the stomach and then filled with approximately 600 ml of saline.

Question 11

Who is eligible for an intragastric balloon?

Accepted Answer

We discuss risks, benefits, and goals during your initial consultation to determine if the intragastric balloon is right for you, beyond that patients with a BMI>30 kg/m2.

Question 12

What are the common side effects?  Contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Most commonly, patients experience some nausea or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are mild, but anticipated, therefore you are pretreated in recovery and discharged home with medication to control these symptoms as well. They typically resolve in a few days.

Question 13

What does the free consultation include?

Accepted Answer

During the free consultation, we review the services offered by the practice and membership options to determine if this practice is the right fit for you and your needs based on the patient data you have provided and your goals.

Question 14

How much weight loss from Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Accepted Answer

At 1 year 16% TBWL and at 5 years about 14% TBWL.

Question 15

How much weight loss should I expect from endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Accepted Answer

This varies greatly, but in clinical trial, patients lose about 16- 20 percent of their total body weight with the greatest amount lost in the early months. At five years, about 14 percent total body weight loss is maintained. We offer maintenance plans to assure your long term success.

Question 16

What is an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), is a minimally invasive, incisionless technique which is completed all via a suturing device on an endoscope. Your stomach is sutured from the inside to create a smaller, tubular stomach.   See Video https://www.guttheoryhealth.com/procedures

Question 17

Who is eligible for an ESG?

Accepted Answer

We discuss risks, benefits, and goals during your initial consultation to determine if ESG  is right for you. There is no specific BMI requirement but typically patients with a BMI>30 kg/m2.

Question 18

Is ESG a surgery?

Accepted Answer

ESG is not a surgery. There are no portions of the stomach removed. The procedure is completed endoscopically and is completely incisionless. Sutures are placed from the inside to create a smaller stomach. There is no overnight hospitalization. After the procedure, you are monitored, then discharged home.

Question 19

When can I return to work after an endoscopic procedure?

Accepted Answer

You can return to work in 2-3 days after the procedure. This allows time for you to overcome any symptoms of nausea or discomfort.

Question 20

How are lifestyle plans instituted?

Accepted Answer

Each plan is customized based on past medical history, past diets, taste preferences, limitations, social history, along with convenience of being able to provide healthy dietary replacements, snacks, and meals directly from the practice.

Question 21

Does Gut Theory Total Digestive Care accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not accept any insurance. We provide various membership plans with a membership fee.  service  with However, we provide completed CMS insurance forms after each visit to submit to your insurance provider for direct reimbursement.

Question 22

Are bariatric procedures such as intragastric balloons or ESG covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, not at this time. But we continue to submit data to insurance companies to overcome this battle and prove the benefits. In the meantime, we offer easy financing options in the office.

Question 23

What is BLISCare?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Laster and Gut Theory Total Digestive care are approved BLISCare providers. BLISCare provides coverage for any unintended complication. As a result, your cash pay price includes the benefit of medical care for the treatment of procedural complications should they occur, however, only as determined by your gastroenterologist. Other conditions apply.

Question 24

Does Gut Theory Total Digestive Care accept Care Credit as a financing payment option?

Accepted Answer

Yes! CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed for your health and wellness needs. It can be used to pay for out of pocket expenses that are not covered by health insurance.    Click on the financing link below to apply now https://www.carecredit.com/go/768GTR/

Have a question you don’t see here? Drop us a line at info@guttheoryhealth.com

or call us at 1-888-755-GUT1 and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

LEARN THE GUT THEORY WAY