Who is a candidate for ESG?
This procedure is for people who have not been able to lose weight or maintain weight loss through medication, diet and exercise alone. You must have a BMI between 30-50 and be committed to losing weight and making lifestyle changes.
How does ESG work?
While you are under anesthesia, the specially trained surgeon passes a small endoscopic device about the size of the end of your finger through your mouth into your stomach. The surgeon uses the tiny camera and suturing tool to sew your stomach into a sleeve-like shape that is 70-80% smaller.
The sutures are permanent and do not dissolve. Over time, internal scarring helps maintain the reduced size. Retightening can be performed if the sutures break or the stomach stretches.
How much weight could I lose?
Weight loss is expected to be 20% of total body weight 12 months after the procedure, in combination with dietary and lifestyle changes. The results can be profound:
- 49% excess body weight loss 12 months after the procedure.
- 68% maintain at least 25% excess body weight loss 24 months after the procedure.
What are the health benefits?
Lasting weight reduction can improve obesity-related health conditions, such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Certain cancers (including breast, endometrial, prostate)
- High blood pressure
- Sleep apnea
- Knee, hip or joint pain
What should I expect after the procedure?
This is an outpatient, same-day surgery performed under general anesthesia. Once awake and stable post procedure, you can usually go home the same day and return to work in 2-3 days.
The doctor may prescribe medications to take after the procedure to manage any discomfort or gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, burping, diarrhea). These symptoms typically resolve within 30 to 60 days.
To help the stomach heal, you will be on a liquid diet for the first week or two, followed by pureed and soft foods for the next two weeks. Following the doctor's specific instructions is important. Typically by week four, you will be able to resume eating solid foods.
This is a fresh start to a healthier lifestyle. The newly smaller stomach (reduced approximately 70% to 80%) will have less space for food. You will feel fuller quicker when eating, so developing healthy eating habits is essential.
What is the cost of ESG?
At this time, insurance does not cover the ESG. Cash cost for the ESG is $12,500.