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What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

ESG is a form of minimally invasive weight loss procedure where the stomach size is made smaller through stitching. Making the stomach smaller means you would need to eat less to feel full, as well as absorb fewer calories, leading to your losing weight. Unlike the other form of Sleeve Gastresctomy which is done laparoscopically , ESG is much less invasive and risky and requires less recovery as well.

What Does Endoscopic Mean?

Endoscopic procedures are minimally invasive procedures that are done using an endoscope, which is a specialized flexible instrument with a camera attached to its front end and inserted usually through the throat. Specialized catheters and tiny instruments are used together with the endoscope to perform many operations in the gut. Endoscopy is a widely used technique to minimize the need for invasive surgery and limit complications such as bleeding and infection.

Do I Need ESG?

This procedure is required by people who want to lose weight but failed to do so with regular methods such as dieting and exercising. Your weight is identified by using a metric known as the body mass index (BMI) which is the ratio of your weight to your height. A BMI of 30 to 35 is considered obese, 35 to 40 is considered extreme obesity, while over 40 is considered morbid obesity, where your weight starts to have a negative effect on your general health. ESG is needed for people with BMI between 30 and 34.

How is the Procedure Done?

The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia. The endoscope is inserted through the throat until it reaches the stomach, and specialized stitching instruments are used to suture the front to the back end of the stomach like an accordion, making the stomach smaller and more slender in shape like a sleeve (hence the name).

Life with ESG

Endoscopic procedures are less invasive than other bariatric surgeries, and therefore require less recovery time and fewer adjustments to your lifestyle. This procedure would help you lose about 20% of your body weight in 1 year. To get the most out of your procedure, we recommend you follow these steps:
· You would be limited to a liquid diet at first, and gradually add pureed foods after about 1 month and finally to solid foods over the following weeks.
· The procedure would make you eat less and feel full faster, but it can’t control what you eat. We advise you to consult a dietician to formulate the best possible diet for your case.
· A regular schedule of exercise is essential for the best results in weight loss.
· Eat very slowly and chew your food very well, since your smaller stomach does not have the same capacity for digestion as it used to.
· A smaller stomach means less absorption of nutrients. This means you’ll probably have to take multivitamins to meet your daily requirements as prescribed by your doctor.
· The new changes in your diet and lifestyle may be overwhelming for some. If that is the case, seek psychological support from your family and friends, or even the help of a professional

What Other Endoscopic Procedures For Weight Loss are Recommended?

ESG is not the only minimally invasive weight loss procedure. If you prefer a less invasive option than bariatric surgeries, be sure to ask your surgeon about the Ellipse balloon and the intragastric balloon.

If you need any more information about the procedure or the follow-up aftercare period,
feel free to contact our team anytime