Bariatric Embolization (BAE) Specialists
Non-Surgical Weight Loss Treatment
Joint & Vascular Institute
What is Bariatric Embolization?
Joint and Vascular Institute offers Bariatric Arterial Embolization (BAE), a minimally invasive and clinically-studied treatment for patients struggling with obesity who are looking for an effective alternative to bariatric surgery. BAE works by targeting the left gastric artery — reducing blood flow to the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger. By lowering ghrelin levels, patients experience a significant reduction in appetite, leading to sustainable weight loss without surgery.
Find Out If You're a Candidate
Benefits of Choosing BAE for Weight Loss
BAE offers meaningful advantages over traditional surgical weight loss procedures, making it an appealing option for patients who want real results with a far less invasive approach.
Minimally
Invasive
BAE is performed through a small incision at the wrist, minimizing pain, scarring, and the risk of complications associated with open or laparoscopic surgery.
Targets the Root
Cause of Hunger
By reducing ghrelin — the only hormone that directly stimulates hunger — BAE addresses one of the key biological drivers of overeating and weight gain.
Quick
Recovery
Most patients return to their normal daily activities within a day or two, making BAE a practical option for those who cannot afford the extended downtime of surgical alternatives.
A Proven Pathway
to Weight Loss
Clinical studies have demonstrated that BAE produces meaningful, measurable weight loss. A meta-analysis of patients across multiple trials found an average total body weight loss of approximately 8% following the procedure.
What You Need to Know About BAE
What is Bariatric Embolization (BAE)?
Bariatric Arterial Embolization is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to help patients lose weight by reducing the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for triggering hunger. Rather than surgically altering the digestive tract, BAE reduces the blood supply to ghrelin-producing cells in the stomach’s fundus, naturally lowering hunger signals and enabling gradual, sustainable weight loss.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
- Adults with a BMI that qualifies as overweight or obese
- Patients who have not achieved lasting results through diet, exercise, or medication alone
- Individuals who prefer to avoid or are not suitable candidates for bariatric surgery
- Patients whose obesity-related health conditions — such as diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease — require meaningful weight reduction
- Those seeking a minimally invasive bridge or complement to a broader weight management program
How is BAE Performed?
BAE is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes approximately one hour. Local anesthesia is applied at the access site in the wrist, and no general sedation is required. Using real-time X-ray guidance, the interventional radiologist passes a small catheter through the radial artery in the wrist and navigates it to the left gastric artery. Tiny microspheres are then delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the fundus of the stomach — the region responsible for producing ghrelin. By limiting ghrelin secretion, the procedure diminishes hunger signals, supporting gradual and meaningful weight loss. Patients are monitored briefly following the procedure and can typically return home the same day.
What Are the Results of BAE?
Clinical research supports BAE as a safe and effective weight loss intervention. Studies have reported an average total body weight loss of approximately 8%, with the weight loss correlating closely with a reduction in circulating ghrelin levels. The procedure carries a low risk of serious complications, thanks in part to the stomach’s rich collateral blood supply. BAE may also provide metabolic benefits related to obesity comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
The Outpatient Advantage for Weight Loss Treatment
| Bariatric Embolization (BAE) | GLP-1 Medications | Sleeve Gastrectomy | Gastric Bypass | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Minimally invasive, outpatient | Prescription medication (ongoing) | Laparoscopic surgery | Laparoscopic surgery |
| Anesthesia | Local only | None | General | General |
| Recovery time | 1–2 days | None | 2–4 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| Avg. weight loss | ~8% total body weight | ~10–20% total body weight | ~25–30% total body weight | ~30–35% total body weight |
| Alters digestive tract | No | No | Yes — permanent | Yes — permanent |
| How long results last | Up to 2 years confirmed; long-term data ongoing | Results reverse after stopping; most regain weight within ~1.5 years | Durable 10+ years; some regain over time | Most durable option; sus |
| Ongoing requirement | None after procedure | Lifelong medication | Lifelong dietary changes | Lifelong dietary changes + supplements |
| Best suited for | Overweight/obese patients seeking non-surgical option or surgical bridge | Patients preferring medication; those not yet surgical candidates | Patients with severe obesity (BMI ≥35–40) | Patients with severe obesity + significant comorbidities |
Weight loss figures are clinical averages and vary by individual. This table is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a provider to determine the right option for you.
Compassionate, Personalized Care
at Joint and Vascular Institute in Libertyville, IL
We understand that managing weight is about far more than appearances — it affects your long-term health, mobility, and quality of life. Drs. Osman Ahmed and Mikin Patel are nationally recognized interventional radiologists who bring subspecialty expertise to every consultation. We take time to understand your health history, your goals, and whether BAE is the right fit for you, then build a personalized treatment plan designed to deliver lasting results.
Academic Level Care.
Just Next Door.
From your first consultation to every step of your treatment, our providers bring advanced expertise and a personalized approach that puts you first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bariatric Embolization Safe?
BAE has a strong safety profile supported by clinical research. Because the stomach has a rich collateral blood supply, the risk of tissue damage or serious complications from reducing flow through a single artery is very low. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia — no general anesthesia or hospital stay is required — which eliminates many of the risks associated with surgical alternatives. As with any interventional procedure, your care team will conduct a thorough evaluation beforehand to confirm you are a good candidate and to minimize any individual risk factors.
How Does BAE Compare to Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery — such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy — remains the most established intervention for severe, long-term obesity, but it carries significant surgical risks, requires general anesthesia, and involves a lengthy recovery. BAE offers a meaningful alternative for patients who are not surgical candidates, prefer to avoid surgery, or are looking for a less invasive first step. Unlike surgery, BAE does not permanently alter the digestive tract, and patients typically return to normal activity within a day or two. While the degree of weight loss with BAE may be more modest than surgery, for many patients it represents a clinically significant and life-improving outcome.
Take the First Step Toward Lasting Change
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re ready to explore Bariatric Embolization as a solution for medically significant weight management, contact our Libertyville office to schedule a consultation. Joint and Vascular Institute is here to help you move forward with confidence and an improved quality of life.