What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) for Weight Loss?

You’ve tried everything. Counting calories, cutting carbs, endless trips to the gym. But the scale just won’t budge. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and at times, it feels hopeless. You want to lose weight and take care of your health, but nothing seems to work long-term. 

Maybe you’ve thought about weight loss surgery, but the idea of an invasive surgery with weeks of recovery and permanent changes to your body seems overwhelming. You want an option that works without the risks and downtime of bariatric surgery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) could be the answer. This non-surgical, non-invasive procedure helps you lose weight by reducing the size of your stomach so you feel fuller sooner and stay satisfied longer without feeling deprived. It’s designed for people who are ready for real change but want a safer, more flexible alternative to traditional bariatric surgery.

So, what is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)? How does it work and who is it for? Here’s everything you need to know.  

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty(ESG)?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, or ESG Stomach Tightening, is a non-surgical, non-invasive weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach without incisions or weeks of recovery. ESG is performed endoscopically with a thin, flexible tube that has a camera and specialized tools attached. During the procedure, the doctor reshapes the stomach, reducing its size by 60-75% to help you naturally eat smaller portions, reduce calorie intake, and lose weight gradually.

ESG doesn’t require any incisions, stapling, or permanent changes to your body. There are no scars and the risk of complications is much lower compared to bariatric surgery. Most patients go home the same day and get back to their normal routine, including exercise, within one to three days. For those struggling with obesity, ESG offers an opportunity for real, lasting change, without putting life on hold.

How Does ESG Work for Weight Loss?

ESG helps patients lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach, making it easier to eat less, feel full faster, and stay satisfied longer. By reducing the size of the stomach, ESG helps you make lasting changes without constant hunger and frustration. The natural reduction in appetite leads to steady, sustainable weight loss over time.

But ESG does more than just limit portion sizes. It also works with your body’s natural processes to support meaningful weight loss. The procedure triggers changes in hunger-related hormones, like ghrelin, which plays a key role in appetite regulation. With lower ghrelin levels, cravings decrease, hunger levels drop, and it becomes easier to stick to healthier eating habits.

By reducing the size of the stomach, ESG also slows down gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer. This helps you feel fuller longer, reducing the urge to snack and overeat.

Studies show that patients lose an average of 18% of their total body weight within one year, with durable results that last for at least 5+ years when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. ESG gives you the tools you need to take control of your health for the long run.

Overview of the ESG Procedure

Knowing what to expect can make any medical procedure feel less overwhelming, and ESG is no exception. Understanding each step can help you feel confident and prepared as you take this exciting step toward lasting weight loss. Let’s take a closer look at the ESG procedure, from preparation to recovery.

Before the Procedure

Preparing for ESG is an important step in setting yourself up for a smooth procedure and long term success. It starts with a comprehensive evaluation, where you’ll meet with our weight loss experts to discuss your health history, weight loss goals, and lifestyle. This personalized approach ensures that ESG is the right fit for you and helps create a customized plan to support your journey.

In the weeks leading up to the procedure, you may need to make a few small but important adjustments to prepare your body for ESG. This might include following a high-protein, low-carb diet and temporarily avoiding certain medications that could affect healing.

To ensure a safe and successful procedure, you’ll also need to fast for at least 12 hours beforehand so your stomach is completely empty. These simple but essential steps help reduce risks, support a smooth recovery, and set you up for the best possible results.

During the Procedure

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a quick, outpatient procedure designed to be as comfortable and stress free as possible. The entire procedure takes about 60 minutes to complete, and you’ll be under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel a thing.

Once you’re asleep, your doctor will insert an endoscope through your mouth and down into your stomach. Using specialized tools, a series of eight sutures will be placed inside the stomach to reduce its size by 60-75%. Once the procedure is complete, you’ll rest in our recovery area while our team monitors you. After a few hours, you’ll be able to go home and complete the recovery process in the comfort of your own home.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after ESG is quick, manageable, and designed to get you back to your normal routine as soon as possible. Most  people only take 1-3 days off of work before feeling ready to return to normal activities. In the first few days, you may experience mild side effects, like nausea, bloating or discomfort, but these typically fade quickly. Our team will provide guidance and support to help you feel as comfortable as possible during this time. 

To ensure a smooth recovery and the best long term outcome, you’ll be asked to follow a structured eating plan that gradually transitions from liquids to solid foods. This diet is designed to prevent your stomach from stretching and support healing.

Lifestyle Changes After the Procedure

ESG is a powerful tool for weight loss, but lasting success comes from building healthy habits that support sustainable weight loss. The procedure helps you eat less and feel fuller sooner, but what you eat and how you move will play a key role in your progress. 

A balanced diet of high-protein, nutrient dense foods, will keep you energized while supporting healthy weight loss. Practicing mindful eating and portion control will help you maintain steady progress. 

Regular physical activity is just as important, not only for weight loss, but also for supporting your overall physical and mental health. Most patients can resume moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, within just a few days, and gradually introduce strength training and more intensive cardio within a few weeks.

Why Patients Choose ESG Weight Loss

For many people struggling with obesity, traditional diet and exercise aren’t enough, but the idea of surgery feels too extreme. Patients choose ESG because it effectively supports weight loss while allowing them to maintain a normal lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of ESG.

Effective, Long-Lasting Weight Loss

ESG not only helps patients lose weight, it also supports long-term success. Reducing the size of the stomach makes it easier for patients to control their portion sizes, reduce calorie intake, and sustain progress over time.

ESG is designed for durability. With proper lifestyle adjustments, patients experience lasting weight loss without the need for additional interventions. ESG offers a real opportunity for lasting change, without the risks of surgery.

Appetite Control

By reducing the size of the stomach, ESG naturally supports appetite control and makes it easier to eat smaller portions without feeling deprived. ESG also impacts hormones that regulate hunger, leading to reduced cravings and lower appetite overall. 

ESG helps patients avoid overeating and mindless snacking, two of the biggest challenges in long-term weight management. Rather than relying on willpower alone, ESG gives you the tools you need for a long-term, sustainable approach to healthier eating.

Improved Overall Health and Quality of Life

Losing weight isn’t just about appearance. It’s about feeling better, having more energy, and improving your quality of life. 

Patients who achieve meaningful weight loss with ESG often experience improvements in obesity related health conditions, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Many patients also experience less joint pain, better mobility, and increased stamina, making daily activities easier and more enjoyable.

Beyond physical health, ESG can have a profound impact on mental well-being. Many patients report feeling more confident and more in control of their bodies. With more energy and improved self-esteem, they can fully engage in social activities, work, and hobbies without the limitations that excess weight can bring.

No Surgery, No Scars, Minimal Downtime

For many people, the risks and long recovery times associated with bariatric surgery can be a major barrier to seeking obesity treatment. That’s why ESG is such a life changing alternative. It’s a non-invasive, non-surgical solution with far fewer hurdles. 

There are no incisions to heal, which means a much lower risk of complications and no risk of scarring. But perhaps the biggest advantage is the quick recovery. Unlike surgery, which can require weeks or months of restrictions, ESG allows most patients to return to their normal routine in just a few days. It’s a practical option for those with busy lives who want to see real results without putting life on hold. 

Ongoing Support

Weight loss is a journey, and having expert support makes all the difference. ESG Stomach Tightening is part of a comprehensive, long-term approach to weight loss. Bariendo provides ongoing support from medical experts, dietitians, and health coaches to help patients build sustainable habits and stay on track.

Our patients receive personalized nutritional counseling, lifestyle coaching, and regular check-ins with their care team for 12 months after the procedure. Whether you need help creating meal plans and exercise routines or overcoming weight loss plateaus, this ongoing support makes all the difference.

Affordability

ESG is much more affordable than traditional bariatric surgery and it’s a cost-effective alternative to the ongoing expense of prescription weight loss medication. 

At Bariendo, we believe that obesity treatment should be accessible to everyone, so we offer flexible financing options to help patients achieve their goals without  the financial barriers. That makes ESG a smart financial choice as well as a health-conscious one.

Who is a Good Candidate for ESG Stomach Tightening?

You might be a great candidate for ESG if you:

• Have a BMI of over 30 or a BMI of 27-29.9 with an obesity related health condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or fatty liver disease.
• Have not been successful with diet and exercise alone, despite your best efforts.
• Are committed to making healthy lifestyle changes to support your success.

While ESG is a great fit for many, it may not be recommended for those with severe acid reflux, prior stomach surgeries, or certain medical conditions. 

Curious if ESG is right for you? Take our quick 2-minute quiz to find out!

Potential Risks and Considerations

Like any medical procedure, ESG comes with some risks and important factors to consider. While ESG is much safer than traditional weight loss surgery, some patients may experience mild side effects like nausea, bloating or abdominal discomfort in the first few days. Although extremely rare, ESG is fully reversible and can be undone if unexpected complications occur.

It’s also important to know that, despite approval by the FDA, most insurance companies still classify ESG as an elective procedure. It’s not typically covered under most insurance plans, but at Bariendo, we offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible.

Ready to Take the First Step? Find Out if ESG is Right for You

The best way to know if ESG is right for you is to talk to an expert who understands your unique needs. At Bariendo, our experts are here to guide you every step of the way, from answering your questions to creating a personalized weight loss plan that sets you up for success.

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you by scheduling a free consultation today. Find out if ESG is right for you and how it can help you regain control of your health and feel your best.