For those who are struggling with obesity, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) may be an effective and minimally invasive solution. ESG is a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach in order to help individuals lose weight and improve their overall health.
Although this procedure can provide many benefits, it is important to prepare properly before undergoing ESG. This article will cover what steps you should take before having the procedure, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and getting medical clearance.
Understand the Basics Of ESG
An obesity treatment technique is called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The procedure is performed using an endoscope, which is a long, slim, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera.
During the procedure, the doctor uses the endoscope to access the inside of the stomach and apply suture lines to create a smaller, sleeve-like stomach. The sutures reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold, leading to weight loss.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete. It is typically an outpatient procedure so patients can go home the same day.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Pre-procedure preparation for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty involves several steps to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely.
Schedule A Consultation With A Qualified Healthcare Provider:
Before the procedure, you will need to meet with a gastroenterologist specialized in bariatric endoscopy, to discuss your medical history, current health status, and goals for the procedure. This is an important opportunity to ask any questions and make sure you are a good candidate for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.
Obtain Medical Clearance from Your Doctor:
Your healthcare provider may ask you to get medical clearance from your primary care doctor or other specialists to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. This may involve completing certain tests or procedures, such as a physical exam, blood work, or an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Follow Any Pre-Procedure Instructions Provided by Your Healthcare Team:
Your healthcare team will provide you with instructions on how to prepare for the procedure, including any medications you should take or avoid and any dietary restrictions you should follow. It is important to carefully follow these instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
Arrange for Transportation to And from The Procedure:
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means you will go home the same day. You will need somebody to drive you to and from the procedure. You cannot drive yourself as you will still be under the effect of anesthesia.
Follow Any Dietary Restrictions or Guidelines Provided by Your Healthcare Team:
Your healthcare team may recommend that you follow a specific diet in the days leading up to the procedure to prepare your body for the procedure. This typically includes a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. You will also be given instructions to stop eating and drinking after a certain hour, the evening before the procedure. It is important to carefully follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome.
During The Procedure
During endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, you can expect the following:
Anesthesia And Sedation Options: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia. You will be given medications through an intravenous (IV) line to put you to sleep. You will not feel anything. The healthcare team will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during the procedure to ensure your safety.
The Role of The Healthcare Team During the Procedure: The healthcare team will consist of an endoscopist, an anesthesiologist, and nursing staff. The endoscopist will perform the procedure using an endoscope and a suturing device. The anesthesiologist will administer the sedation and monitor your vital signs. The nursing staff will assist the endoscopist and support you during the procedure.
The endoscopist will insert the scope through your mouth and into your stomach during the procedure. They will then use the endoscope to apply sutures to create a smaller, sleeve-like stomach. The stomach can hold a reduced amount of food, leading to the sensation of fullness and to weight loss. The procedure typically takes about an hour to complete.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
After endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. This may include:
Follow-Up Appointments and Check-Ins with Your Healthcare Team: You will need to heed up with your healthcare team regularly after the procedure to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.
Pain Management and Medication Instructions: You may experience some discomfort for a day or two after the procedure. Your healthcare team will provide instructions on managing any pain and discomfort, including what medications to take and when to take them.
Diet and Nutrition Guidelines Following the Procedure: After endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, you will need to follow a specific diet to ensure proper healing and maximize the procedure’s benefits. This will typically involve a clear liquid diet for two days, followed by a full liquid diet for two weeks. After the first two weeks, your dietitian will advance you to a soft diet for another two weeks, and then to a normal diet. Your healthcare team will provide you with detailed guidelines on what to eat and drink and when to progress to the next diet stage.
Exercise And Activity Recommendations: ESG in not surgery. It does not involve cutting the abdominal wall muscles. Therefore, the recovery is very fast. You will be able to resume your normal activities two to three days after the procedure. It is important to gradually increase your activity level after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Your healthcare team will provide you with recommendations on how to gradually increase your exercise routine. It is crucial to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard too soon.
Benefits Of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Benefits of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty include the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, which means it is associated with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time compared to more invasive weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.
ESG is performed through the mouth. There are no incisions and no scars.
Additionally, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty leads to significant weight loss and improvement in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Conclusion
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a procedure used to treat obesity. It is a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. It involves creating a smaller, sleeve-like stomach using an endoscope and a suturing device, which helps reduce the amount of food the stomach can hold and leads to weight loss.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, but it does not require admission to the hospital. It is an outpatient endoscopy. Pre-procedure preparation involves scheduling a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider, obtaining medical clearance, following pre-procedure instructions, arranging transportation, and following any dietary restrictions or guidelines.
The healthcare team will consist of a gastroenterologist, an anesthesiologist, and nursing staff during the procedure. After the procedure, it is crucial to heed up with your healthcare team, manage any discomfort, follow a specific diet and nutrition plan, and gradually increase your activity level as recommended by your healthcare team.