Evaluating ESG Weight Loss Pros and Cons: Is It Right for You?

Struggling to shed those extra pounds despite countless diets and rigorous exercise routines? You’re not alone. For many, traditional weight loss methods just don’t work. But what if there was a non-invasive, non-surgical, outpatient procedure that could help you achieve your weight loss goals more easily? 

Enter Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a groundbreaking procedure pioneered by Dr. Christopher C. Thompson, a Harvard Medical School professor and the co-founder of Bariendo. ESG has caught the attention of many looking for effective obesity treatment without invasive surgery, lengthy hospital stays, or extensive recovery times.

Like any medical procedure, ESG has its own set of benefits and potential downsides. Let’s explore the pros and cons of ESG weight loss to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. 

Pros of ESG Weight Loss

ESG Stomach Tightening is a non-invasive procedure that involves inserting an endoscope through the mouth into the stomach and suturing it from the inside to create a banana-like shape. The procedure reduces the size of the stomach by 70%, helping patients feel fuller sooner and stay satisfied longer, leading to reduced food intake and significant weight loss. 

Let’s explore the pros of ESG to see why so many people are choosing this method as an alternative to traditional weight loss surgery.

Significant Weight Loss Results

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is the impressive weight loss results it can deliver. Patients who choose ESG weight typically lose about 18% of their body weight within the first year.

This substantial weight loss boosts confidence and self-esteem, helps reduce obesity-related health issues, and improves overall quality of life. The ability to achieve these results in a quick, outpatient procedure without invasive surgery is a major draw for many seeking effective obesity treatment.

Improved Health Outcomes

Beyond substantial weight loss, losing weight with ESG offers a range of benefits that can dramatically improve your overall health. As you shed excess weight, you may experience the improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, acid reflux, fatty liver disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. 

Many patients experience improvements in their symptoms and find that they need less medication or, in some cases, can eliminate their medications entirely. Significant weight loss can also alleviate sleep apnea symptoms, improving sleep quality and increasing energy levels.

Joint pain and mobility issues, often worsened by excess weight, can also improve, allowing for a more active and comfortable lifestyle. ESG promotes longevity by improving or resolving obesity-related comorbidities.

Non-Invasive Procedure

One of the standout advantages of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is that it’s a non-invasive outpatient procedure. Unlike traditional Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) and other types of bariatric surgery, which require an incision and sutures, ESG is performed endoscopically through the mouth using a flexible tube equipped with a camera and suturing device.

This non-invasive approach offers several advantages. First, it significantly reduces the risk of complications typically associated with surgery, such as infections and wound healing issues. Second, patients often experience less pain and discomfort during recovery than traditional surgical methods.

Additionally, because there are no external incisions, ESG leaves no visible scars, which can be a considerable benefit for patients concerned about aesthetic outcomes.

ESG is Reversible

Another notable advantage of ESG weight loss is that it’s a reversible procedure. Unlike traditional weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, which permanently alter the stomach’s structure, ESG can be undone if necessary.

The sutures used in ESG can be removed or adjusted, offering peace of mind for patients who may be concerned about making a permanent change to their digestive system. It also provides flexibility if you’re not seeing the expected results or encounter unforeseen complications. Additionally, since the procedure is endoscopic, it leaves no scars, providing an aesthetic benefit. 

Reduced Recovery Time

A major pro of ESG is the reduced recovery time compared to traditional weight loss surgeries. Because ESG is an outpatient procedure performed endoscopically, patients can typically go home the same day.

Patients typically experience less pain and discomfort, allowing them to resume their normal activities and return to work in about three days. This swift recovery is a stark contrast to the weeks of downtime often required for more invasive weight loss surgeries.

Additionally, the shorter recovery time often means patients can start seeing and enjoying the benefits of their weight loss sooner. They can quickly get back to their daily routines, which can help maintain motivation and support long-term weight loss success. 

Immediate Exercise with ESG

Another key advantage of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is the ability for patients to start exercising almost immediately, reducing muscle loss often associated with major surgeries. Patients can begin light exercises the next day, avoiding abdominal workouts initially.

In contrast, traditional weight loss surgeries like gastric sleeve and gastric bypass require patients to avoid exercising for about four weeks, leading to muscle loss and difficulty restarting routines. ESG’s quicker return to physical activity helps maintain muscle mass and supports long-term weight loss success.

Lower Risk of Complications

ESG weight loss stands out for its lower risk of complications than traditional weight loss surgeries. This non-invasive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of complications such as infections, bleeding, and hernias, which are more common with surgery.

Because ESG does not involve incisions, there is less trauma to surrounding tissues and organs. The risk of postoperative complications is further minimized due to the precise and controlled nature of the procedure, performed under visual guidance using an endoscope. 

In formal studies, the complication rate for ESG is around 1-2%, but in real life, it’s been estimated to be below 1%. This is in stark contrast to the 15% complication rate associated with traditional weight loss surgeries.

Natural Increase in Satiety Hormones with ESG

ESG not only facilitates weight loss through reduced stomach capacity but also leads to a natural increase in satiety hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone enhances feelings of fullness and helps regulate appetite without the need for additional medications such as semaglutide. This natural hormonal boost contributes to long-term weight management and overall health improvement, making ESG an effective and holistic weight loss solution.

Cons of ESG Weight Loss

While ESG offers many appealing benefits, it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks. Like any medical procedure, ESG has limitations and risks patients should be aware of before making a decision. 

Challenges in Choosing a Qualified ESG Provider

One significant drawback is that ESG requires advanced endoscopists with specialized skills and dexterity. Not all ESG procedures are the same, and the quality can vary greatly depending on the provider. 

Currently, there are only two formal advanced fellowship programs in the United States, including one at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School led by Dr. Pichamol Jirapinyo. There are fewer than 30 doctors who have undergone formal advanced fellowship programs with ESG in the United States.

Many doctors offer ESG without formal training, and some use fewer sutures than optimal to save costs. This can impact the effectiveness and durability of the procedure. It’s not uncommon for doctors not trained in a formal program to achieve only 12-13% weight loss, despite advertising higher success rates. This emphasizes the importance of choosing a highly trained and experienced provider for your ESG procedure.

Not Covered By Insurance

One significant drawback of ESG is that most health insurance plans do not cover it. Despite its approval by the FDA and proven safety and effectiveness in clinical trials, ESG is a relatively new procedure that may be categorized as experimental or elective by insurers.

This can result in higher out-of-pocket costs, making it less accessible for some patients. However, financing options are available to help break those costs down into manageable monthly installments.

Requires General Anesthesia

Even though the ESG procedure is performed endoscopically, it requires the use of general anesthesia. While general anesthesia is generally considered to be safe for most individuals, it does come with potential risks, such as allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and other possible complications related to anesthesia.

Our team will carefully assess your overall health and help you evaluate the potential risks of general anesthesia before proceeding with ESG. For many patients, the overwhelming benefits of losing a significant amount of weight outweigh the potential risks of general anesthesia.

Results Can Vary

Like any weight loss surgery or procedure, the results of ESG can vary from person to person. While many patients experience significant weight loss and improvements in health outcomes, factors such as post-procedure lifestyle and overall health status can influence the results of ESG for long-term weight loss.

It’s important to recognize that achieving and maintaining long-term weight loss, even with ESG, requires a commitment to healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Our team is committed to providing ongoing support and check-ins following your procedure to help optimize your weight loss strategy and ensure you achieve the best possible results.

Not Suitable for Everyone

To qualify for ESG weight loss, you typically need to have a BMI over 30 and have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, patients with a BMI of 27 - 29.9 may also qualify if they have certain obesity-related comorbidities. 

While there is no upper BMI limit for ESG, those with a higher BMI (such as over 60) might want to consider gastric bypass surgery. Gastric bypass can achieve a higher weight loss of around 30%, but it comes with a longer recovery period and a higher complication rate.

Factors such as existing health conditions or anatomical considerations may influence whether ESG is a suitable option for you. Our medical team can help you determine if ESG is a safe and appropriate option for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Is ESG Weight Loss Right for You?

ESG Stomach Tightening offers a promising alternative to surgery for patients struggling with obesity. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of ESG carefully before deciding if it’s the best choice for your weight loss journey.

Take the first step toward a healthier you! Schedule a free consultation with the weight loss experts at Bariendo to discuss whether ESG is a good option for you. Our team of top clinicians and weight loss experts will help you evaluate your overall health and weight loss goals to provide personalized guidance and support on your path to weight loss.