About
Dr. Janese S. Laster-Butler holds quadruple board certification in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Nutrition. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and earned her undergraduate degree at Spelman College in Atlanta. She then completed her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Both her Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship took place at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC.
During her fellowship, Dr. Laster-Butler developed a deep interest in nutrition science and bariatric endoscopy. She pursued two additional fellowships: a Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship and an Advanced Endoscopic Bariatric Training Fellowship with an international expert. She performs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty using the Apollo ESG Overstitch, the only FDA-approved device for this procedure. She also performs Orbera intragastric balloon placement, TORe revision procedures, and medically supervised weight loss with prescription therapies. She is passionate about the gut-metabolism connection, anti-obesity pharmacology, emotional eating, and the relationship between sleep and weight. DC Modern Luxury recognized her as one of the Dynamic Women of the Greater Washington, DC Area.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Spelman College, Atlanta
Medical School
University of Texas Medical Branch
Residency
Georgetown University Hospital, Internal Medicine
Fellowship
Georgetown University Hospital, Gastroenterology; Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship; Advanced Endoscopic Bariatric Training Fellowship with an international expert
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Laster-Butler right for?
Dr. Laster-Butler is a strong fit for adults who want a medically guided approach to weight loss. Patients with obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep disruption benefit from her integrated care model. She is particularly well-suited for patients considering endoscopic procedures like the gastric balloon, ESG, or bariatric revision. Those who have tried other weight loss approaches without lasting results will find her combination of endoscopy, nutrition science, and pharmacology valuable. Out-of-state and international patients seeking specialized bariatric endoscopy also find a home at her practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Laster-Butler performs Orbera intragastric balloon placement, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, and TORe revision procedures for patients who have had prior gastric bypass or sleeve surgery. She also offers medically supervised weight loss with prescription therapies, including injection-based medications. Each treatment plan pairs the procedure with nutrition education and lifestyle coaching.
Yes. Dr. Laster-Butler holds board certification in four disciplines: Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Obesity Medicine, and Nutrition. This combination allows her to address weight, digestive health, and metabolic concerns within a single practice.
Dr. Laster-Butler earned her medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. She later completed a Nestle Nutrition Institute Clinical Nutrition Fellowship and an Advanced Endoscopic Bariatric Training Fellowship with an international expert.
Dr. Laster-Butler performs ESG using the Apollo ESG Overstitch system. This is the only FDA-approved device for this endoscopic procedure. Her advanced fellowship training included direct instruction from an international expert in bariatric endoscopy.
Dr. Laster-Butler starts by using InBody Bioimpedance testing to measure each patient's visceral fat, skeletal muscle mass, metabolic rate, and body composition. She also administers her Eater Type Survey to understand hunger patterns, emotional eating tendencies, and eating pace. These findings shape a plan that may include an endoscopic procedure, nutrition counseling, pharmacologic therapy, or a combination of all three.
Patients under Dr. Laster-Butler's care have reported reversal of diabetes, improved cholesterol levels, better sleep quality, and sustained weight loss. Her treatment approach addresses obesity as a chronic disease with metabolic, behavioral, and nutritional dimensions.
Yes. Dr. Laster-Butler welcomes out-of-state and international patients at her Friendship Heights practice. She also offers telemedicine for patients who cannot visit in person.
Dr. Laster-Butler treats obesity as a chronic, relapsing, neurobehavioral disease rather than a lifestyle issue. She builds care plans that integrate endoscopic procedures, nutrition science, lifestyle coaching, and pharmacologic therapy. She is particularly passionate about the gut-metabolism connection, emotional eating, and the relationship between sleep and weight.
Doctor profile last updated March 21, 2026