New Weight Loss Surgery

A groundbreaking, new weight loss surgery option could make it possible for obese patients to lose weight without surgery.

This would allow many people to enjoy the benefits of weight loss surgery without having to go under the knife.

Furthermore, this would make it possible for people who are not eligible for traditional procedures, to undergo weight loss surgery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

So, what is this new procedure? Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, ESG for short. During this procedure, a doctor threads a scope down the patient’s throat and into the stomach.

Then, a suturing device is used to cinch the stomach in. This shrinks the stomach to about the size of a banana. Furthermore, the procedure requires no incision and no hospital stay.

Similar to gastric bypass and other weight loss surgeries, ESG results in a smaller stomach. Therefore, the patient eats less, feels full, and loses weight.

Unlike standard obesity surgeries, which are reserved for people with a BMI of 40 and above, or 35 with obesity related health conditions, ESG is routinely offered to patients with a BMI between 30 and 40.

Benefits of ESG

Studies have shown on average, patients lose 15 percent of their starting weight within a year of the surgery.

While this is not as drastic as standard procedures, there are many other positive aspects of ESG. For example, it is a same day, outpatient procedure.

Also, since it is non-invasive, there are no scars left behind to deal with. This is a huge appeal for many people. Furthermore, complication rates for ESG are lower than those of standard weight loss procedures.

Good Candidates for ESG

When diet and exercise fail to produce results, many people consider weight loss surgery. While ESG is a great procedure that will no doubt help many people, it is not right for everyone. If you are mildly obese, it could be a great option.

However, those with morbid obesity might want to consider standard procedures. Also, ESG is not covered by most insurances.

So, patients are responsible for covering the cost of the procedure. While prices will vary, it is reportedly less expensive than traditional procedures.