If you have struggled with your weight and have not been successful with traditional diet and exercise, it may be time to seek medical intervention. Historically, this would have meant invasive bariatric surgery, but today there is a significantly less invasive procedure that does not involve incisions or surgery.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has become increasingly popular as many individuals share their results and stories of success across social media. Today, we will examine the pros and cons of ESG so you can gain a clear understanding of the procedure and determine whether it is a good choice for you and your specific circumstances.
How Does ESG Work?
Before exploring the pros and cons of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, it is important to understand the procedure, how it is performed, and how it promotes weight loss.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty does not involve surgery; instead, it is performed using a special device called an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube gently inserted through the mouth to reach the stomach. Sutures are then strategically placed inside the stomach to reduce its size and limit its capacity, thereby reducing the amount of food you can eat in one sitting. Since the procedure is minimally invasive and involves no incisions, patients can return home the same day without needing a hospital stay.
ESG promotes weight loss in a few different ways, the first being that the reduced size of the stomach only allows the individual to consume very small amounts of food at one time. Secondly, the changes in the shape and size of the stomach slow down the digestion process, causing it to take much longer to empty, and the feeling of fullness is prolonged by several hours.
The average patient loses about twenty percent of their total body weight during the first year, but many of our patients have lost considerably more. ESG offers similar weight loss potential as gastric sleeve surgery but without the risks, complications, or long recovery time.
Pros And Cons Of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
In July 2022, the FDA approved endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) as an effective option for weight loss. Although ESG has been around for over a decade, it has recently gained more recognition as more people share their experiences through personal connections and online platforms. As with any surgery or procedure, there are pros and cons to consider, which can help you determine if the procedure is a good fit for you.
ESG Pros
- Wide Eligibility
- Most people are eligible for ESG because it does not require underlying health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes to qualify;
- Short Procedure Time
- The ESG procedure takes around 45 minutes to perform, which is significantly shorter than traditional surgery;
- Minimally Invasive
- ESG works by strategically stitching the stomach from the inside to make it smaller without cutting or removing any part. The stitches are durable, yet the procedure can be reversed or modified if necessary;
- Comparable Results
- Theresults of ESGare comparable to those of gastric sleeve surgery, but the patient’s stomach is reduced without invasive surgery;
- No Abdominal Incisions
- Because an endoscope is used to access the stomach, ESG does not require any abdominal incisions;
- Outpatient Procedure
- ESG is an outpatient procedure that does not require a hospital stay;
- Quick Recovery
- Recovery from ESG is significantly shorter than traditional surgery, allowing most individuals to resume their regular routines within days compared to the lengthy 4 to 6-week recovery time of surgery;
- Flexibility in Activities
- After ESG, patients are not limited in their activities and can engage in most activities comfortably. Although it is advised to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks, other activities like swimming, bathing, and exercising are not restricted;
- Alternative to Surgery
- ESG offers an alternative medical intervention for weight loss for those who cannot undergo surgery or do not wish to have an invasive procedure;
- No Visible Scars
- There are no visible scars resulting from the ESG procedure because no incisions are made;
- Lower Risk Profile
- There are significantly fewer risks associated with ESG compared to gastric sleeve surgery. ESG has a risk profile of 2.9% versus the 11.8% risk profile of surgical gastric sleeve;
- Sustained Weight Loss
- When ESG is combined with a healthy lifestyle, it results in significant weight loss potential. One major study found most individuals lost about 60–65% of their excess weight and were able to maintain these results after two years. A different study reported similar results, with most individuals losing 59–61% of their excess weight, which they maintained at the five-year mark.
ESG Cons
- Side Effects
- Some individuals experience side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset, but these typically resolve on their own after a few days;
- Insurance Coverage
- Currently, medical insurance does not cover the cost of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, so patients are responsible for paying out-of-pocket. Fortunately, ESG is significantly less expensive than a surgical procedure, and due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, the recovery time is normally only a few days. This means individuals can get back to work sooner and avoid missing out on earned wages. Reveal Weight Loss offers convenient financing plans that can help break up the total cost of your ESG procedure into smaller, more manageable monthly payments;
- Weight Loss Compared to Surgery
- While ESG offers significant weight loss potential, the average weight loss is typically less than that achieved through traditional surgery;
- Limited Long-Term Data
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty has not been performed as long as traditional bariatric surgery, so there is less long-term result data available.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty offers many more pros vs. cons when compared with bariatric surgery. It allows a wide range of people a safe and effective alternative to surgery for those who have not been successful in improving their BMI and their health with diet and exercise alone.
Surprisingly, only about 1 in 100 people who qualify for weight loss surgery actually go through with it. This may be because they have health concerns that make surgery unsafe, or they are afraid of undergoing surgery, or their responsibilities do not allow them the time needed for recovery. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) provides a much-needed solution for those who suffer from obesity but are hesitant or unable to pursue surgery.
Who Is A Candidate For ESG?
If your BMI is 30 or higher and you have had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone, you might be a suitable candidate for ESG. Certain medical conditions, such as stomach or esophageal issues, hernias, or bleeding disorders, can disqualify you from being a viable candidate for ESG. Additionally, you need to be committed to making the lasting lifestyle changes necessary to maintain a healthy weight and be willing to participate in a 12-month doctor-supervised weight loss program.
Where Can I Learn More About ESG In New Jersey?
If you are interested in learning more about endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty pros and cons and how the procedure can benefit you, contact Reveal Weight Loss today.
Set up a consultation with one of the Reveal Weight Loss board-certified gastroenterologists and ESG experts to learn more about the pros and cons of ESG. We will be happy to answer your questions and talk through any concerns you may have, as well as share other non-surgical weight loss options we offer. It is time to take charge of your health and improve your quality of life. Reach out to us today!
