What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
ESG is a minimally invasive and incisionless endoscopic weight loss procedure that is performed to reduce the size of the stomach to help you lose weight. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with sedation and is well tolerated by most patients. This procedure has a significantly shorter recovery time compared to traditional weight loss surgeries and avoids external incisions/scarring to your skin.
Are you a candidate for ESG?
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Estimated weight loss from ESG is about 15-20% of the starting total body weight or 60-70% of excess body weight at 1-2 years following the procedure. This in conjunction with a low fat diet and adequate exercise may even enable you to lose more weight than the projected range. Other health benefits, in addition to weight loss, include improvement in gastroesophageal reflux, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and obstructive sleep apnea.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Compared to weight loss surgeries that usually require hospitalization for at least a couple of days, you will be going home the same day after your ESG with a much shorter recovery time. Most patients will experience mild symptoms after and for a few days following the procedure, including abdominal discomfort and nausea. These symptoms usually disappear after your body becomes accustomed to your reduced stomach size and you will likely be able to return to work in 2-3 days. There are medications that we will prescribe before and after your procedure to help with these symptoms. As compared to surgery, the possibility of serious complications is drastically reduced. Serious symptoms requiring medical attention will be thoroughly discussed at your visit and prior to your procedure. We also offer a 24/7 concierge aftercare service for our patients. This aftercare offers multiple benefits such as individualized meal planning and shopping lists, unlimited texting on weekends and afterhours, therapy and optional counselling with loved ones. We will help you through your recovery while giving you accountability and peace of mind that you are being looked after.
Will I have any dietary or activity restrictions after the procedure?
Yes, now that your stomach has significantly decreased in size as a result of this procedure, you will find yourself feeling fuller with smaller quantities of food. You will be given a booklet with dietary recommendations regarding what kind and quantity of food you should eat in the coming days to weeks after the procedure while your stomach adjusts to its new size. In addition to dietary modifications, we will also assist you in exercise planning with trained experts who will work with you individually to track your progress. These lifestyle changes are aimed to be lifelong to help you maintain the weight loss that you will lose.
What are the risks?
As with any procedure, there are risks for potential complications. However, compared to laparoscopic surgery, the risks of this procedure are significantly less since there are no incisions being made from outside the body. According to the landmark MERIT Trial published in 2022, ESG is considered a safe and low risk intervention to help patients achieve and maintain weight loss.
Why should you choose us to perform your ESG?
ESG is a complex endoscopic procedure that should be performed by highly skilled gastroenterologists. We at 4ward Wellness are advanced endoscopists who have completed additional training in complex and high risk endoscopic procedures. We possess the skills and tools to not only perform these procedures but also manage the unlikely risk of potential complications associated with any endoscopic procedure. We are proud to offer an individualized approach in achieving your weight loss goals. We are here to listen and work with you as you choose the best option in the next step in your weight loss journey and achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Follow-up
Remember, this is not just a one-time visit, but is rather a long-term journey. You will return the next day to receive IV fluids at our infusion center. We will check in at this time about how you are feeling. You will also have scheduled follow up in the office soon after your procedure and then once every couple months for up to a year. In the 1 year following your procedure, you will have access to interactive and personalized lifestyle coaching with a trained professional to provide you with the tools you need in this next chapter of your life.
How much does ESG cost?
The ESG procedure costs $11,999. This cost not only covers the procedure but also your journey to wellness consisting of post procedure follow-up appointments and lifestyle coaching/support available to you for up to one year. These procedures are not currently covered by all insurance companies. We understand financial limitations can be a barrier to undergoing elective treatments to improve your health. We have finance options available including CareCredit to help you move 4ward in your wellness journey.
*These costs do not reflect any lab work and/or fees as outlined in your consultation.
Are you from out of town?
We at 4ward Wellness welcome patients from anywhere, and we know it is crucial to have the right accommodation when visiting us. Located 20 minutes from Albany International Airport, 4ward Wellness have partnered with these hotel(s) (Hyperlink). If you wish to stay elsewhere, our friendly staff will help you find accommodation that is suitable for your needs.
When travelling, all patients must have a responsible adult accompanying them. Let us know how we can help.
