Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is the newest, least invasive weight loss surgery. When diet and exercise fail to produce results, many people consider weight loss surgery.
Some are held back by the cost, some do not qualify, and others do not wish to go under the knife.
However, this procedure allows patients to undergo weight loss surgery without expensive hospital stays. Also, there are no scars left from the procedure.
ESG uses and endoscopic scope with a suturing device attached to the end. The scope is threaded down the patient’s throat and into the stomach.
Then, the stomach is sutured from the inside to reduce the size by up to 80 percent.
The first person to receive the surgery, Christine Holmgren, says that the surgery has helped her regain an active lifestyle and jump start weight loss.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
This procedure is great for those who have been unsuccessful at losing weight, or maintaining weight loss, with other methods.
Also, the procedure works well for those with a BMI between 30-40 who either do not qualify for bariatric surgery, or do not wish to undergo such an invasive procedure.
Similar to traditional bariatric surgery, ESG works by reducing the size of the stomach. Therefore, the patient is limited in how much they can eat.
While it is a step towards losing weight and maintain a healthy weight, patients still have to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Benefits of ESG
First, it is the least invasive weight loss surgery. This appeals to many people. Second, it is a same day procedure. Therefore, you can go home after the procedure. Also, there is very little recovery time.
Holmgren says that she resumed normal activities the day after her procedure. She also says that the only discomfort she experienced was a sore throat for a few days. Furthermore, she returned to work just three days after the procedure.
ESG has shown great promise for weight loss results while also having lower rates of complication than standard weight loss surgeries.
Restrictions
The prep for the surgery is simple. The patient will have a liquid diet the day before the surgery. There may be some nausea and abdominal pain after the surgery.
However, patients can resume normal activities much quicker than with tradition surgery. Like with any surgery, your body needs time to heal. Therefore, you should refrain from intense exercise for four weeks.
Also, to give the stomach time to heal, you will need to follow an all-liquid diet for 30 days. Your doctor may also prescribe Prilosec for six weeks to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Results of ESG
During the first month after the procedure, Holmgren lost 25 pounds and dropped two pant sizes. She ate an average of 800-1,000 calories a day without feeling hungry or deprived.
Most importantly, she felt better. She says she was able to think more clearly, had better quality sleep and saw an improvement in her skin. Also, she says that her knee pain and sour stomach went away.
Along with a healthy diet, she is also able to exercise now. Not only is she more comfortable while exercising, she has increased the intensity and duration of her workouts.
Many patients find that their obesity related conditions, such as GERD, disappear or are greatly improved after the surgery.
Least Invasive Weight Loss Maryland
If diet and exercise have failed to produce weight loss, you may be considering weight loss surgery.
ESG might be the best option for you. Contact Maryland Bariatrics today to learn more about this procedure!
