Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Now Covered By Medicare

We’re thrilled to announce that The Silhouette Clinic is now performing Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), an innovative, non-surgical weight loss procedure, with Medicare coverage now available for eligible patients.

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure performed entirely through the mouth using an endoscopic suturing device. There are no incisions or removal of stomach tissue.

✅ How ESG works:
Your gastroenterologist places sutures in the stomach to create a sleeve-like shape, reducing its volume. This helps you feel full faster and promotes significant, sustained weight loss.

✅ Results:
Patients typically achieve 18-20% total body weight loss, improving obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.

Is ESG Covered by Medicare?

Yes! Medicare now covers ESG for patients who meet bariatric surgery criteria:

✔️ BMI ≥40, or
✔️ BMI ≥35 with at least one obesity-related medical condition (e.g. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea).

This is a major advancement in obesity care accessibility, making ESG available to many patients who previously could not pursue surgical weight loss options.

Is ESG Covered by Insurance?

Some commercial insurance carriers may cover ESG on a case-by-case basis, especially after:

• Submitting prior authorization requests
• Providing supporting medical necessity documentation
• Completing appeals or peer-to-peer reviews by your weight loss specialist

Our insurance coordination team at The Silhouette Clinic is experienced in navigating these processes to help you maximize coverage.

Do I Qualify for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

If you live in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia and are looking for a minimally invasive weight loss option covered by insurance, ESG may be ideal if you:

✅ Have a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 with unsuccessful weight loss attempts through lifestyle changes
✅ Meet Medicare or commercial insurance bariatric surgery criteria
✅ Prefer a non-surgical procedure with a shorter recovery time

How is ESG Different Than Bariatric Surgery For Obesity?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is different from traditional bariatric surgery in several important ways:

✅ Procedure Type:

• ESG is a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure (endoscopy) performed through the mouth using an endoscopic suturing device. There are no external incisions and no removal or rerouting of the stomach or intestines.
• Bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy involve surgical incisions, removal of part of the stomach (sleeve gastrectomy), or rerouting of the digestive system (gastric bypass).

✅ Invasiveness and Recovery:

• ESG is minimally invasive with shorter recovery times and lower procedural risks compared to surgery. It is an outpatient procedure, patients go home the same day, and most patients return to daily activities within a few days.
• Bariatric surgery requires hospital stays, longer recovery periods, and carries higher surgical risks.

✅ Weight Loss Results:

• ESG results in an average 18-20% total body weight loss.
• Bariatric surgery generally produces greater weight loss, often 25-35% or more, due to anatomical changes and hormonal effects.

✅ Reversibility:

• ESG is potentially reversible since it does not remove stomach tissue.
• Bariatric surgery is permanent and involves irreversible anatomical changes.

Both the ESG procedure and bariatric surgery are effective treatments for obesity, and the best option depends on your medical history, weight loss goals, and insurance coverage. Discuss these with your gastroenterologist or bariatric team to determine which approach is right for you.

Why Choose ESG at The Silhouette Clinic?

At The Silhouette Clinic, we combine advanced weight loss expertise with compassionate, personalized care:

• Board-certified specialists in endoscopic weight loss procedures
• Comprehensive evaluation, nutritional counseling, and long-term follow-up
• Convenient locations serving Maryland, DC, and Virginia patients

Our mission is to provide safe, effective, and accessible weight loss solutions to help you achieve your health goals and have a successful weight loss journey.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re searching for “ESG covered by Medicare near me”, The Silhouette Clinic is here to support your journey to better health and confidence.

📲 Call us at (301) 288-1319 or request an appointment online.

We’ll review your medical history, discuss insurance coverage options, and help determine if ESG is right for you.

✨ Take the First Step Toward Lasting Weight Loss

Visit The Silhouette Clinic to learn more about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty with Medicare coverage and start your path toward a healthier, happier life.

Written by Dr. Halim Charbel, MD, Gastroenterologist and Endoscopic Weight Loss Specialist, The Silhouette Clinic.
Serving patients in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia.