Inspira offers endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), an incision-free, same-day weight-loss procedure for people who need more support than lifestyle changes or medication, but who may not qualify or feel ready for bariatric surgery.
What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?
ESG is a modern, minimally invasive weight loss procedure that does not require any external incisions. It is designed to help people who are living with obesity. During the procedure, doctors use a specialized endoscopic suturing device to make the stomach smaller from the inside. By creating a smaller stomach capacity, ESG allows you to feel full more quickly, which leads to decreased food intake and promotes effective weight loss over time. Weight loss with ESG can improve associated health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and obstructive sleep apnea.
One of the major advantages of ESG is that it does not involve incisions or removal of any part of the stomach, reducing discomfort and resulting in a quicker recovery period compared to traditional bariatric surgeries. ESG is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day without an overnight hospital stay.
How Does Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Work?
During the ESG procedure, you will first be placed under sedation to ensure your comfort. A thin, flexible tube known as an endoscope is carefully inserted through your mouth, allowing it to travel down the esophagus and into your stomach. The endoscope has a high-definition camera that gives your doctor a clear, detailed view of the inside of your stomach. This allows the doctor to carefully guide the instrument and accurately examine the stomach during the procedure.
Once the endoscope is in the right position, your doctor uses a special device to place stitches inside the stomach. These stitches fold the stomach into a smaller, sleeve-like shape, which reduces how much it can hold. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes a few hours to complete, allowing for a faster recovery compared to traditional weight-loss surgeries. After the procedure, you will be on a set diet to allow the new stomach configuration to heal and optimize your weight loss.
Do I Qualify for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?
You should meet with a medical weight management team to determine your eligibility for weight-loss options. You may qualify for ESG if you:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher
- Have difficulty losing weight with diet and exercise alone
- Do not qualify for bariatric surgery based on BMI
- Are not ready for surgery or want an incision-free approach
- Are looking for a structured, medically supervised weight loss option
What To Expect When You Have An Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Before your ESG, you will have an initial consultation with our medical weight management team. During this appointment, your doctor will assess your overall health, discuss your weight-loss goals and determine your eligibility for the procedure. You may undergo diagnostic tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to ensure you are a suitable candidate.
The procedure typically takes about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you will be monitored for a short period as the sedation wears off. Many patients can return home on the same day, where you'll need to follow post-procedure guidelines closely.
After undergoing ESG, you can expect to make gradual changes to your eating habits, starting with a liquid diet and eventually progressing to solid foods. It’s important to follow the diet plan given by your medical team to support your weight loss and help your body adjust to your smaller stomach. Follow-up appointments will allow your provider to monitor your progress.
