Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a revolutionary weight loss procedure that is becoming increasingly popular among those who struggle with obesity. Imagine reducing your stomach’s capacity and limiting the amount of food you consume without undergoing major surgery. This is exactly what ESG can do for you.
But not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. In this article, we will explore the qualifications and characteristics of those best suited for ESG. Join us on a journey of discovery as we uncover the secrets of this innovative procedure and discover if it could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Here Are Good Candidates For Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Individuals With A Body Mass Index (BMI) Of 30-40:
These individuals are considered to be suffering from obesity and are at a higher risk for weight-related health complications such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a minimally invasive option for weight loss that can help reduce the risk of these complications.
Individuals With A BMI Of 40-50 Who Do Not Want To Undergo Bariatric Surgery:
These individuals are considered to be suffering from severe obesity and are at a very high risk for weight-related health complications. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty offers these patients a minimally invasive option that can help them lose weight and improve their overall health without having to undergo a more invasive, higher-risk surgery.
Individuals Who Have Failed Previous Weight Loss Attempts With Diet And Exercise:
These individuals may have difficulty losing weight or maintaining weight due to metabolic or hormonal factors. By suturing the stomach and reducing its size, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can help these patients lose a substantial amount of weight and keep it off long-term.
Individuals Who Have A History Of Weight Cycling Or Yo-Yo Dieting:
These individuals need help maintaining weight loss. While they are making the effort and going through diets and exercise programs, these patients tend to gain the weight back. This is not an unusual scenario. It is due to the body’s hormonal and metabolic reaction to weight loss. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can help these individuals break the cycle and achieve long-term weight loss.
Individuals With A History Of Acid Reflux Or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
Individuals who suffer from obesity and acid reflux at the same time may experience worsening of their reflux if they undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can help these patients achieve weight loss without aggravating their acid reflux or GERD.
Individuals With A BMI Of 27-30 And A Weight-Related Comorbid Condition:
While ESG is approved by the FDA for patients with a BMI range of 30-50, individuals who struggle with being overweight and who have a weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or arthritis, may be considered for ESG on a case by case basis.
How Is ESG Performed?
Now that we identified who Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is for, let’s go over what to expect during the process. An experienced endoscopist will insert the endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera at its tip, through the patient’s mouth and into the stomach. The Overstitch endoscopic suturing device is attached to the tip of the scope. Once in the stomach, the endoscopist will use the suturing device to place full-thickness sutures in the walls of the stomach. This results in shortening and decreasing the size of the stomach. The endoscope is then removed, leaving the patient with a reduced stomach.
The procedure is minimally invasive and has been shown to be very effective in achieving weight loss. Patients can expect to lose about 18% to 20% of their total body weight within a year. The weight loss has been shown to be maintained long-term
It is essential to have a detailed discussion with your gastroenterologist before undergoing ESG to understand the risks and benefits of the procedure. This will also help you decide if you are a good candidate for ESG and if the process is right for you.
What To Expect After ESG And Tips For A Successful Recovery
The recovery process after Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is an essential part of the procedure. It is important to understand what to expect during this time and how to best care for yourself to ensure a successful weight loss journey.
After the procedure, patients can expect to experience some mild discomfort in the stomach. This is normal and usually subsides within a couple of days. Nausea may also occur in the first day or two. The doctor will prescribe pain and nausea medications to help manage such symptoms.
Following a strict clear liquid diet for the first two days after the procedure is essential. This will allow your stomach time to heal. Three days post-ESG, the diet is advanced to a full liquid diet for two weeks, then to a soft diet for another two weeks. At four weeks post-ESG, the patient can start eating a regular-consistency diet. Gradually, various solid foods can be gradually added back into the diet. A detailed diet plan will be provided by a dedicated bariatric dietitian. One-on-one visits with the dietitian will be scheduled 2 weeks and 4 weeks post-procedure, then once a month for 12 months. Working with the dietitian is an essential part of the after-care and it is crucial for achieving the best long-term results.
In addition to diet changes, it is important to make other lifestyle changes after ESG. This includes increasing physical activity, quitting smoking (preferably before the procedure), and limiting alcohol consumption. These lifestyle changes will help with weight loss and improve overall health.
To ensure a smooth recovery and a successful journey, it’s essential to maintain follow-up appointments with the doctor and follow their instructions. They will monitor the weight loss progress, answer questions, and make any necessary adjustments to the diet or lifestyle plan.
Conclusion
If you believe you are a candidate for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and you’re interested in learning more about it, it’s important to discuss the procedure with our specialists. They will be able to assess your individual needs and determine if this is the right solution for you.
Don’t wait. Take the first step towards your weight loss journey and schedule a consultation with The Silhouette Clinic to find out if you are a candidate for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and to start your journey today.