Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical procedure for individuals seeking significant weight reduction without traditional bariatric surgery.
Understanding Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a minimally invasive, incisionless procedure that reshapes the stomach using an endoscope. A flexible tube equipped with a camera and a suturing device is inserted through the mouth and guided into the stomach. The physician then places sutures in a specific pattern to reduce the stomach’s volume by approximately 70%. This process creates a smaller, sleeve-like pouch, similar to the outcome of a surgical sleeve gastrectomy, but without removing any part of the stomach. The reduced stomach size limits food intake and slows gastric emptying, promoting a feeling of fullness with smaller portions.
Patient Experiences: Weight Loss and Effectiveness
Patients report significant and sustained weight loss following ESG. Clinical studies indicate patients achieve an average of 15% to 20% total body weight loss (TBWL) within the first year. Some patients exceed these averages, with reports of losing 40 pounds or more within a few months. This weight loss continues throughout the first year, with the most substantial changes observed in the initial weeks and months post-procedure.
Patients attribute success to feeling fuller sooner and reduced appetite, which helps them adhere to a lower-calorie diet. The gradual nature of weight loss with ESG allows patients to build sustainable eating habits rather than relying on extreme restriction. Patients find the procedure provides structure and support to regain control over their health, even when previous diet and exercise efforts were unsuccessful.
Patient Experiences: Recovery and Side Effects
The recovery period after ESG is short and manageable, with many patients returning to light activities within a few days. Since the procedure is incisionless, there is no external wound care, and most discomfort resolves quickly. Patients spend a few hours in recovery after the procedure, with some programs recommending an overnight stay, although many are discharged the same day.
Common discomforts reported include mild nausea, gas bloating, and fatigue during the first few days. These symptoms are temporary and can be managed with standard medications. Patients transition through a liquid diet, then to pureed and soft foods, over several weeks, with the liquid phase described as challenging. However, as they progress to solid foods and hydration improves, energy levels increase, and weight loss continues.
Long-Term Patient Perspectives and Lifestyle Integration
Patients undergoing ESG emphasize the importance of integrating the procedure into a long-term healthy lifestyle for sustained weight loss. While the procedure provides a tool for weight reduction, continued dietary changes and regular physical activity are important for maintaining results. Patients find that the reduced stomach capacity naturally encourages smaller portion sizes and mindful eating habits.
Despite the initial success, patients may encounter challenges such as weight plateaus or the potential for regaining some weight over time. To overcome these, patients highlight the value of ongoing support, including nutrition counseling, follow-up care, and engaging with support groups. The ability to adapt to new eating behaviors and manage cravings through continued engagement with a multidisciplinary team, including dietitians and psychologists, is important for enduring success.