How to Choose the Best ESG Doctor

You’re closer than ever to a healthier future.

You’ve done the research. You know ESG is the right fit—minimally invasive, proven, and effective. Now, it’s time to find the right doctor to guide you through it.

And that decision is just as important. You’re not just looking for credentials. You want someone with deep expertise, a strong track record, and a team that stays with you long after the procedure. Someone you can trust.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what to look for in an ESG doctor—and why Bariendo, founded by the physician who pioneered the procedure, continues to set the standard for non-surgical weight loss that lasts.

Choosing the Right ESG Doctor Matters

Not all ESG outcomes are the same.  A lot of that comes down to the provider’s experience and technique. A highly trained Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty doctor knows how to place sutures in a way that maximizes stomach restriction and durability while minimizing discomfort and risk.

In less experienced hands, patients may not lose as much weight, may have more discomfort after the procedure, or may need additional interventions later on. That’s why choosing the right doctor from the start is so important. Your doctor’s expertise will influence every part of your journey.

What Sets a Great ESG Doctor Apart

When you’re this close to moving forward with ESG, the last thing you want is uncertainty about your provider. Here’s what to look for when comparing providers:

• Specialized training in ESG: ESG isn’t something every gastric surgeon is trained to do. Make sure your provider has specific experience with endoscopic bariatric procedures — not just general GI or surgical work.
• Plenty of hands-on experience: ESG is a technique-driven procedure. Doctors who’ve performed it often are more likely to deliver consistent results with fewer complications. Ask how many ESGs they’ve done in the last year.
• Real data, not just promises: A trustworthy doctor should be upfront about their average outcomes — how much weight patients lose, how long results last, and what the complication rate looks like.
• Support beyond the procedure: The best ESG programs include help with nutrition, lifestyle, and long-term follow-up. If a provider doesn’t offer a structured aftercare plan, that’s worth asking about.
• Clear, confident communication: You should never feel rushed or brushed off. A good ESG doctor will welcome your questions and give you honest, easy-to-understand answers about the risks, the benefits, and what to expect.

Why Bariendo Sets the Standard in ESG Care

Many clinics now offer ESG, but their level of experience and approach to patient care can vary widely. Some focus only on the procedure itself, with minimal follow-up. Others perform ESG occasionally, alongside dozens of unrelated services.

Bariendo does things differently. This section breaks down what makes our approach stand out, not just in credentials, but in outcomes, support, and long-term results that patients can feel confident about.

ESG Was Invented by Our Co-Founder

Dr. Christopher Thompson, Bariendo’s co-founder, is the physician who originally developed the ESG procedure. As a global leader in endobariatrics, he played a key role in designing the technique, refining the tools, and advancing the research that made ESG what it is today.

ESG is a procedure that relies heavily on precision, training, and expertise. When you’re working with the doctor who invented it, or the team trained directly under his leadership, you know you’re getting care informed by years of experience and backed by real clinical data.

Precision ESG Technique That Follows Best-Practice Protocols

Not all ESG procedures are performed the same way. One major difference is the number and placement of sutures — which directly impacts how much weight loss a patient may achieve.

While some providers use just 2 to 5 sutures, Bariendo doctors typically place 8 to 10. Just as important is how they’re placed. Bariendo follows best-practice suture patterns developed through years of research and experience to ensure optimal restriction and long-term results.

Expert, Multi-Disciplinary Care That Supports Long-Term Success

ESG itself is a one-and-done procedure, but it’s also the starting point of a much larger transformation. That’s why Bariendo pairs expert medical care with a full team of specialists who help patients build sustainable habits and stay on track long after the procedure.

At every stage of the journey, patients have access to:

• Registered dietitians who help create realistic, personalized nutrition plans
• Nurse practitioners who monitor health markers and recovery
• Behavioral and lifestyle coaching to support long-term change
• Ongoing check-ins to track progress and adjust the plan as needed

This team-based model ensures that patients are never left on their own. It’s one of the reasons Bariendo patients see lasting results instead of temporary ones.

Proven Results That Last

ESG is one of the few non-surgical weight loss procedures with long-term outcomes supported by clinical research. Multiple peer-reviewed studies have shown that ESG can lead to:

• 18% average total body weight loss at 1 year
• 16% maintained at 5 years
• Lower complication rates compared to surgical alternatives

These outcomes aren’t just impressive, they’re durable. And when paired with Bariendo’s structured after care model, patients are more likely to maintain those results and avoid the setbacks that often follow weight loss medications and traditional gastric surgery.

Combining ESG with Medications for Enhanced Results

In some cases, combining ESG with GLP-1 medications can lead to even greater weight loss than either approach alone. Bariendo is a leader in this emerging space, with co-founder Dr. Pichamol Jirapinyo helping to shape the protocols for combination therapy.

For eligible patients, weight loss medications may be added after the procedure as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. While medication costs are not included in the ESG package, many medications are often covered by insurance — and the Bariendo team will guide you through those options.

This combination approach isn’t required for everyone, but for those who need extra support, it can be a powerful tool.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

Choosing the right ESG doctor is one of the most important steps in your weight loss journey. It’s not just about who can perform the procedure. It’s about who can help you succeed for the long haul.

At Bariendo, you’ll find the experience, support, and proven approach that make a real difference. From the doctor who invented ESG to the care team that walks with you every step of the way, Bariendo is built to help you achieve lasting results — without surgery.

Ready to take the next step? Work the team that pioneered ESG—schedule your free consultation today!