There has been much media attention regarding Alena Thompson the former “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” reality star and her desire to lose weight.

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson is currently 16 years old and will be 17 at the end of August and currently weighs 275 pounds. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, while discussing weight loss, Honey Boo boo said that she felt that having “the weight loss surgery would help get her motivated” to eat more healthy and go to the gym. Honey Boo Boo said she wants to lose weight and reach about 150 pounds.

What Weight Loss Procedure Is Honey Boo Boo Having?

Alana Honey Boo Boo Thompson will be undergoing endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty which is a non-surgical procedure.

Much of the media has referred to the weight loss procedure Alana Thompson is having as “surgery” but Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is not considered a surgical procedure and requires no incisions or hospital stay. Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is performed outpatient and she will get to return home the same day.

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Losing Weight Takes Patient Commitment And Motivation

Alana stated that she has always been a “bigger kid” and that health problems required her to take steroids which made her gain weight at an early age. Also, during the ET interview, Honey Boo boo spoke about trying to lose weight many times through dieting and exercising but admits that she lacks motivation.

During the interview, Alana’s sister “Pumpkin” said that her sister needed to begin making changes to her lifestyle now and not wait until after the procedure. Suture Sculpt ESG is meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy low-calorie diet along with physical exercise to successfully lose weight and keep it off.

For Honey Boo Boo’s weight loss journey to be successful, she will need to make some permanent changes that involve diet and exercise. Most patients become so excited when the weight begins to come off and they can wear a smaller size, or they find they have more energy and can do things that they were not able to do before. They become highly motivated to continue following their new lifestyle choices and it becomes their new normal.

Is The Suture Sculpt ESG Procedure Safe For Teens Like Honey Boo Boo?

There has been much debate regarding how old Honey Boo Boo will be at the time of her weight loss procedure and if she is too young. The results of a clinical trial published in 2019, found that endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) can be used successfully in adolescents to help them lose a significant amount of weight.

Suture Sculpt ESG is safe and can be used to treat teens with obesity however, ESG will only be effective in the long-term if the patient does their part. The question then becomes does the teenage patient possess the maturity to understand the commitment they are making? Do they fully grasp that they must implement new behaviors and make choices that will promote weight loss post-procedure?

Let’s be honest, many adults who have undergone weight loss surgeries lacked the discipline to maintain their program. Whether the patient is a teen or an adult, the answer to this question, and other factors involved, will vary by patient and will be taken into careful consideration by the doctor before moving forward.

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What Will Happen To Honey Boo Boo During Her ESG Procedure?

While she is under general anesthesia, an endoscope will be lowered down her throat. An endoscope is a special surgical tool that has a tiny camera so the doctor can visualize the entire procedure. Her stomach will then be reshaped into a sleeve-like pouch and a special tool will be used to strategically place between 4 and 8 sutures to hold her stomach in the new shape.

She will spend a few hours in a recovery room for observation and then will be discharged to recover in the comfort of her own home. Her recovery will be minimal when compared to the recovery necessary after a surgical weight loss procedure and she should be back to her normal routine within 3 days or so.

Most patients do not experience any pain but only mild discomfort for the first few days as their stomach adjusts to the new shape and size. She will be given some directions on how to care for herself and dietary instructions from her doctor as she recovers at home.

A Support System Is Important During Weight Loss

After having a weight loss procedure or bariatric surgery, it is important to stay connected with your doctor and the team at the weight loss clinic. Support from family, friends, and medical professionals significantly adds to patient success. Also, having someone by your side who is going through the same experience can be beneficial. Each can help the other with accountability and encouragement to foster weight loss success.

Along with her boyfriend Dralin Carswell, Honey Boo Boo will undergo the weight loss procedure (non-surgical Suture Sculpt ESG) at Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in Queens, New York.

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