What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach without removing any tissue. During the procedure, a flexible scope is passed through the mouth to place sutures inside the stomach. This helps patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions.
When paired with healthy lifestyle changes, ESG supports steady, long-term weight loss. At LifeBridge Health’s Center for Medical & Surgical Weight Loss, care is delivered through a comprehensive program that includes nutrition planning, dietitian counseling and lifestyle coaching to support patients before, during and after treatment.
Benefits of ESG
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty offers a weight loss option for people who want results without traditional surgery, long-term medication use or relying on diet and exercise alone.
Benefits include:
- No incisions or external scars
- Same-day, outpatient procedure
- Short recovery time
- Reduced stomach size without removing tissue
- Improved portion control and awareness of hunger cues
- May be reversible within the first six months
In clinical studies, patients who followed recommended lifestyle changes achieved meaningful weight loss in the first year, with strong long-term maintenance rates.
An average of
13.6%
of their total body weight
Representing
49%
of their excess body weight
Two years after the procedure:
68%
of patients who followed the program had
maintained most of their wight loss
Who May Be Eligible?
Eligibility for ESG is based on medical history, body mass index and individual weight loss goals.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have a BMI between 30 and 50
- Are not eligible for bariatric surgery or do not want surgery
- Prefer a procedure with minimal downtime
- Want to avoid or reduce long-term dependence on weight loss medication
A consultation with a weight loss specialist can help determine whether ESG is the right fit for your needs.
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
Before ESG, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and discuss your weight loss goals. They’ll also explain how to prepare for the procedure and what recovery may look like.
Some medical conditions may affect eligibility. Your provider will review any risks and help you decide whether this option is safe for you.
During the Procedure
ESG is performed using a flexible scope passed through the mouth while you are under anesthesia. Sutures are placed inside the stomach to reduce its size without removing tissue.
Most procedures take a few hours, and patients typically return home the same day.
After the Procedure
Most patients resume normal daily activities within two to three days.
Long-term success depends on healthy eating habits, physical activity and ongoing support from your care team.
Find an Expert Who Cares
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty at LifeBridge Health is performed by Dr. Christina Li, a board-certified surgeon with decades of experience in minimally invasive and bariatric procedures.
