Invasive weight loss surgery has become the trend nowadays for people looking forward to shedding weight. If you’re considering taking the next steps in achieving your goal weight, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty might be the perfect solution. Also known as ‘gastric sleeve’, it is a less invasive form of bariatric surgery that offers substantial benefits for those interested in improving their health and well-being through safe and effective long-term weight management. This blog post will cover everything you need to know about endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy – from what it involves to its potential risks and how successful it is – so that you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. 

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (or ESG) is an innovative and minimally invasive bariatric procedure that is used to treat obesity. This procedure works by reducing the size of the stomach and thus makes a patient feel full faster when eating. During ESG, a flexible endoscope is inserted through the throat rather than making incisions like traditional surgeries. This reduces risk of infection, pain and allows patients to recover faster. With this low-risk operation comes long-term weight loss success which has been seen in studies and reported by experts. Therefore, ESG is one of the most advanced methods for treating obesity due to its lower risks, significant and sustainable results as well as quick recovery time afterwards.

The good news is this procedure leads to significant loss of weight. If you are searching for ways to lose weight and limit your food intake, it is an incredible option. Since it is minimally invasive, people opt to this procedure due to less time in recovery. 

Just like other weight loss procedures, endoscopic less invasive weight loss surgery requires great commitment to achieve a healthy lifestyle. This means that you need to stay committed by eating healthy foods, dieting and exercising to enjoy its  permanent advantages. 

Why Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Is Done?

This procedure isn’t just designed to help one to lose weight, but also to lower your risk of suffering serious weigh-related conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 
• Sleep apnea

It’s important to note that ESG is not suitable for everyone and may not be as effective as traditional weight loss surgery in certain cases. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ESG with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for an individual’s specific needs. This means that you have to consult your primary card doctor to know if you are applicable for this procedure.

Who are the ideal candidates for this weight loss procedure?

The ideal candidates for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) are individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 and have not been successful with diet and exercise alone. ESG is generally considered a good option for individuals who are overweight or have mild to moderate obesity and are looking for a minimally invasive weight loss procedure.

Here are some characteristics of ideal candidates for ESG:

1. BMI between 30 and 40 – ESG is typically recommended for individuals who have a BMI between 30 and 40, although some centers may consider individuals with a BMI up to 50.
2. Age – ESG is generally recommended for individuals who are between 18 and 65 years old. However, this may vary depending on the individual’s overall health and medical history.
3. Good overall health – Ideal candidates for ESG should be in good overall health and have no major medical conditions that could complicate the procedure or increase the risk of complications.
4. Motivated to make lifestyle changes – ESG is not a quick fix for weight loss and requires a commitment to making long-term lifestyle changes to maintain the weight loss. Ideal candidates for ESG should be motivated to make these changes and follow a healthy diet and exercise program.
5. Willingness to follow up with healthcare providers – Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is important after ESG to monitor weight loss, adjust medications as needed, and address any potential complications.

What is the risk of this less invasive weight loss surgery?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is generally considered a safe and effective weight loss procedure. However, like any medical procedure, it carries some potential risks and complications.

Included in some possible risks and complications of ESG are the following:

• Bleeding – ESG involves placing sutures in the stomach, which can increase the risk of bleeding. This risk is generally low, but it can be more significant in individuals who have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications.
• Infection – ESG is a minimally invasive procedure, but there is still a risk of infection. This risk is generally low but can occur if bacteria enter the body during the procedure.
• Pain – ESG may cause some discomfort or pain, especially in the first few days after the procedure. However, this can typically be managed with pain medications.
• Perforation – In rare cases, the endoscope or sutures used during ESG can cause a hole or perforation in the stomach. This can cause severe pain and may require additional medical treatment.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – ESG can increase the risk of GERD, a condition in which stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
• Failure to achieve weight loss – Even though ESG is generally considered effective for weight loss, there is a risk that it may not work for everyone. Some individuals may not lose as much weight as they had hoped or may regain weight over time.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of ESG with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right option for an individual’s specific needs. The healthcare provider will also provide information on how to prepare for the procedure and how to manage any potential complications that may arise.

How to Prepare For ESG Lose Weight Less Invasive Procedure?

To ensure the least invasive weight loss procedure runs as smoothly and successfully as possible, it’s important to properly prepare for the treatment beforehand. One of the most important steps is consulting regularly with your doctor to ensure that the ESG is right for you and that your body will be able to handle weight loss surgeries.

It’s also beneficial to practice eating healthier meals before you get started, as diet plays a large role in both weight loss success and postoperative recovery. Additionally, it’s recommended to stay active leading up to ESG, as this helps prevent any potential complications during surgery.

With careful preparation and guidance from your healthcare provider, ESG can be an effective option for those looking for long-term weight loss success.