Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is becoming an increasingly popular approach among individuals looking for a non-surgical approach to weight loss, especially when diet and exercise alone haven’t provided lasting results. This incisionless procedure reduces the size of the stomach, helping patients feel full sooner and eat less. Here’s how ESG works, how it compares to traditional surgery, and who it may be right for.
How ESG Works: Reshaping Your Stomach Without Surgery
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the size of the stomach without incisions or external scars. Using a flexible endoscope inserted through the mouth, sutures are placed to reshape the stomach into a tube-like structure. This limits food intake and helps patients feel full sooner, supporting significant weight loss over time.
Unlike traditional bariatric surgeries, ESG doesn’t involve cutting or removing part of the stomach. Most patients return to daily routines within a few days and benefit from fewer risks and a shorter recovery.
ESG vs. Traditional Weight Loss Surgery
While procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy are highly effective, they require hospitalization, general anesthesia, and significant downtime. ESG is performed as an outpatient procedure and typically takes under 90 minutes. Because it’s performed endoscopically, without any external cuts, patients benefit from a lower risk of complications such as infections or hernias, and enjoy a quicker return to daily activities.
Ideal candidates for ESG include individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who haven’t had success with lifestyle changes alone and may not qualify or prefer to avoid traditional surgery.
Results and Benefits of ESG
Clinical studies show that ESG can help patients lose 15–20% of their total body weight within the first year,1 especially when paired with medical guidance, nutritional support, and long-term follow-up care. In addition to weight loss, many experience improvements in related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and high blood pressure. Other benefits include:
- No external incisions or scars
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced risk of complications
- Preserved stomach anatomy for future treatment options
Is ESG Right for You?
Every weight loss journey is unique, and ESG offers a safe, effective option for individuals looking for a non-surgical approach with meaningful, lasting results. It’s especially appealing to those who want less downtime and a more discreet procedure.
Schedule a consultation today and discover how ESG could help support your long-term health and confidence.
AUTHOR: Arif Ahmad, MD, FRCS, FACS, is one of the world's pioneers in robotic bariatric surgery at Northwell Health. He has the world’s largest experience in robotic bariatric surgery. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Arif Ahmad specializes in laparoscopic robotic surgery and has performed over 4,000 laparoscopic robotic surgeries. He is renowned in the Long Island area for his impeccable track record of safety and success.
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