Pioneered in Pakistan · Non Surgical
Gamma Block is a non surgical weight loss treatment that uses gastric artery embolization to reduce hunger at its hormonal source. As an obesity treatment without surgery, it requires no cutting or removal of stomach tissue. Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad pioneered this minimally invasive weight loss procedure in Pakistan in November 2017.
20
+
Years in Practice
First
Performed in Pakistan by Dr Imtiaz
3
US Board Certification
DABR
Board Certified Specialist
No Surgery RequiredWalk-in, Walk-out Procedure
What Is Gamma Block?
Obesity Treatment Without Surgery
Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad introduced this weight loss intervention to Pakistan in November 2017 and remains a leading specialist in the procedure. Embolizing the gastric arteries inhibits the hunger hormone at its source, making weightloss easier without tissue removal.
What is Obesity?
Obesity, generally defined as a Body Mass Index above 30, sits at the root of many other health conditions, which makes sustainable weight loss a genuine medical priority rather than a cosmetic goal.
Why not weight loss surgery?
Traditional bariatric surgery achieves results by surgically removing part of the stomach. This leads to tissure damage and long recovery period that takes a big toll on daily life of individuals.
How Does Gamma Block Work?
Gamma Block bariatric embolization works on the same underlying principle through a far less invasive route, by blocking the gastric arteries that supply the fundus, the part of the stomach responsible for releasing ghrelin, the hormone that drives hunger.
Who Can Benefit
Is Gastric Artery Embolization Right for You?
Gamma Block is generally considered for patients who have struggled to achieve lasting weight loss through diet and exercise alone, and who want a non surgical alternative to bariatric surgery.
Body Mass Index above 30
Diet and exercise plans that have not produced lasting results
Persistent, hard to control hunger and food cravings
Concerns about the risks of major bariatric surgery
Obesity related health conditions such as joint strain or fatigue
Preference for an outpatient, non surgical weight loss treatment
Wanting to preserve the stomach’s natural structure
Looking for a procedure that supports diet and exercise rather than replacing it
Important: Gamma Block is not a replacement for diet and exercise. It is designed to make those efforts more effective by reducing hunger, supporting steady, sustainable weight loss rather than rapid or extreme change.
How We Evaluate Candidates for Gamma Block
Clinical Consultation
A review of weight history, prior weight loss attempts, and overall health.
A review of weight history, prior weight loss attempts, and overall health.
Procedure Planning
Mapping the left gastric and related arteries to plan catheter access.
BMI and Health Assessment
Confirming obesity classification and screening for related conditions.
Imaging Review
Assessing the gastric arterial anatomy ahead of the procedure.
Suitability Check
Ruling out contraindications and confirming candidacy for embolization.
The Procedure
How Gamma Block Bariatric Embolization Works
The procedure is performed under three dimensional live imaging to achieve precise targeting of the gastric arteries.
Local Anaesthesia & Access
A small puncture is made in the wrist or groin artery. No general anaesthesia is required.
1
0
Catheter Navigation
A microcatheter is guided toward the left gastric artery and related branches supplying the fundus.
2
0
Targeted Embolization
The arteries feeding the fundus are blocked under 3D precision image guidance, inhibiting ghrelin release.
3
0
Same Day Recovery
Patients are monitored briefly before discharge, with follow up calls to track recovery and progress.
4
Gamma Block vs Traditional Bariatric Surgery
FACTOR
Type of Procedure
Anaesthesia
Stomach Tissue
Hospital Stay
Recovery Time
Mechanism
Suitable for High Risk Patients
Gamma Block (Dr. Imtiaz)
Bariatric Surgery
Why Choose Us
The Pioneer of Gamma Block in Pakistan
Gamma Block requires precise, 3D precision image guided catheter work. Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad introduced this procedure to Pakistan and continues to lead its practice in Lahore and Karachi.
Northwestern Fellowship
Fellowship trained at Northwestern University, Chicago, in 1995, with over two decades in interventional and endovascular practice.
First in Pakistan
Performed Gamma Block bariatric embolization in Pakistan for the first time in November 2017.
3D Image Guided Precision
Advanced angiography facilities at Farooq Hospital and OMI Hospital for accurate gastric artery targeting.
Ongoing Patient Support
Regular follow up calls and check ins after the procedure to support steady, sustainable progress.
Patient Stories
What Patients Say
Men who were hesitant about surgery have found a more comfortable path to relief through PAE.
”All staff members are very cooperative and supportive. We are highly satisfied with Dr. Imtiaz’s kind, professional, and caring behavior, which made the entire experience comfortable and reassuring.
Abdul Rauf, 64Lahore, Pakistan
”It was an excellent experience with Dr. Imtiaz and his compassionate team. Their professionalism, kindness, and skilled care gave me confidence and comfort. I am deeply grateful for the treatment received and the supportive behavior of all the doctors and staff.
Saleem Khan, 58Dubai, UAE
”Ma Sha Allah, my experience was wonderful. Dr. Imtiaz and his team were excellent, and the hospital facilities, food, and rooms were very good. Doctors and nurses checked on me regularly with care and attention. I am fully satisfied, Alhamdulillah.
Muhammad Farooq, 61Karachi, Pakistan
Desclaimer: The testimonials featured on this page reflect the genuine experiences of patients personally treated by Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad. Each story is shared with the patient’s informed consent and has not been edited to misrepresent their outcome.
FAQ
Common Questions About Gamma Block
Have more questions about bariatric embolization? Get in touch for a free consultation before deciding on treatment.
Speak directly with Dr. Imtiaz’s team
0331 111 0397
Available Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm
What is bariatric embolization?
Bariatric embolization, known as the Gamma Block procedure, is a minimally invasive weight loss intervention that blocks the gastric arteries supplying the fundus of the stomach. This reduces release of the hunger hormone ghrelin by up to 90 percent, without removing or altering any part of the stomach.
Can embolization help with weight loss?
Yes. By lowering ghrelin levels, gastric artery embolization makes appetite easier to manage, which helps diet and exercise efforts produce steadier, more sustainable results. Most patients notice reduced hunger within the first few weeks, with measurable weight loss developing gradually over the following months.
What are the non surgical alternatives to bariatric surgery?
Gamma Block bariatric embolization is one of the leading non surgical alternatives to traditional bariatric surgery. Rather than surgically removing or restructuring part of the stomach, it works by reducing blood flow to the area that triggers hunger, offering a lower risk, shorter recovery option for patients who want to avoid major surgery.
Related Treatments
Other Minimally Invasive Treatments
Free First Consultation
Considering Treatment Without Surgery?
Book a free consultation with Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad, a US board-certified specialist in Pakistan, available in Lahore, Karachi, and online from anywhere in the world. We are happy to help you understand your options clearly and without pressure.
Lahore
Farooq Hospital, DHA, 0331 111 0397
Worldwide
info@drimtiazahmad.com
Karachi
OMI Hospital, MA Jinnah Rd, 0331 111 0397
