Understanding your options
Choosing a bariatric procedure is a personal decision. This guide explains what the operation involves and the factors your surgical team may consider.
How the procedure works
An endoscope is passed through the mouth into the stomach under anesthesia. A specialized suturing system places full-thickness stitches to fold the stomach into a narrower shape. No abdominal incisions are made and no stomach tissue is removed. ESG is not the same procedure as surgical sleeve gastrectomy.
Who is this procedure best suited for?
At Solstice, ESG may be particularly worth discussing for selected patients with a BMI below 35, no clinically significant reflux, and a good response to anti-obesity medication who would prefer an incisionless intervention. This is a preferred selection profile, not a universal medical indication. Eligibility also depends on overall health, prior treatments, goals and endoscopic assessment.
Potential benefits
It may appeal to patients seeking a less invasive, organ-preserving treatment. ESG can improve weight-related health conditions, but average weight loss is generally less than with surgical bypass procedures.
Risks and important considerations
Potential complications include pain, nausea, bleeding, infection, leaks or injury to adjacent structures. Significant reflux or certain stomach conditions may make ESG less appropriate. Weight regain can occur, and some patients need additional treatment.
Recovery and follow-up
ESG is often performed as a day procedure, although individual discharge and recovery plans vary. A staged liquid-to-solid diet, hydration, protein intake, activity progression and structured follow-up are essential.
What does the evidence show?
The randomized MERIT trial reported mean total body weight loss of 13.6% at 52 weeks in the ESG plus lifestyle group versus 0.8% with lifestyle treatment alone. Serious ESG-related adverse events occurred in 2% of the ESG group. Trial results are averages, not a promise of individual outcomes.
MERIT randomized trial, The Lancet (2022)
Read the source ↗Information is summarized in original patient-friendly language. No anatomical diagrams are reproduced here pending licensing and review.
Ready to discuss your options?
The right procedure depends on much more than BMI alone. A consultation can help clarify which treatment fits your needs and priorities.
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