Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) right for me?
If traditional weight loss techniques like dieting and exercising have failed you and you are overweight with a body mass index (BMI) measuring over 30, then this non-invasive procedure may be right for you. An ESG may be best if losing weight on your own has been a struggle, but you don’t qualify for other more traditional bariatric surgeries, like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy.
Choosing to have an ESG will be the first step towards the rest of your life. Dr. Liu will help you adopt new habits to ensure long-lasting results.
How does endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) work?
ESG helps you lose weight by significantly reducing the size of your stomach. Having a smaller stomach helps you control your portion sizes by making you feel less hungry. It’ll take less food to make you feel full for a longer period of time.
During this non-invasive procedure, Dr. Liu uses an endoscope – a thin, flexible tube equipped with lights and a camera that is inserted through your digestive tract – to stitch sutures inside your stomach and tighten the inner lining to make it smaller.
What can I expect during the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedure?
Dr. Liu uses general anesthesia, so you’ll be unconscious during the procedure. In total, it takes about 90 minutes. You’ll wake up in a recovery room where Dr. Liu will be monitoring you to make sure you are doing.
Typically, you go home the same day after you fully recover from sedation, although sometimes ESG recovery can take a day in a hospital for observation. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, your risk of having any major surgical complications is greatly reduced.
When will I see results?
You will start to notice weight loss quickly, within the first week even, with optimal results after about six months. As is common with weight loss procedures, ESG can help improve conditions associated with obesity, including:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
Remember, having healthier habits will get you the best results. Dr. Liu and his medical staff can help guide you through lifestyle changes that fit what you need at a comfortable pace.
*Individual results may vary.
