Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty might just be the solution to your weight loss. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty helps you to lose weight significantly by limiting the amount of food you can eat.

– What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty procedure

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is using an endoscopic suturing device to reduce the size of the stomach. It is a recent kind of weight-loss procedure done in order to reduce the size of the stomach. This is done to limit the amount of food a person is able to eat.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty may be an option if you are very overweight and you have tried dieting, exercising, but you are not getting any result.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is non-surgical in the sense that there is no incision or opening of the body.

During ESG procedure, general anesthesia is used on the patient so the patient will be unconscious. The procedure is done by inserting an endoscopic suturing device through the mouth of a patient.

The endoscopic suturing device is inserted into the stomach using a flexible tube with a tiny camera. The tiny camera allows the doctor to see the inside of the stomach.

The doctor then places about 12 endoscopic sutures in the stomach. These sutures shrink the stomach and change the structure of the stomach so that it is not as big as before.

This reduces the size of the stomach and thus reduces the amount of food the stomach can take. Due to the fact that the stomach is not big anymore, the hunger hormone is reduced.

The patient can only eat a little amount of food which invariably reduces his/her weight.

This procedure requires commitment if you want to experience significant changes. You need to have a very healthy lifestyle and this is done by making significant and permanent changes to what you eat.

For a long-lasting result, you need to exercise regularly after the procedure.

– Why Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is better than weight loss surgeries

ESG is different from other weight loss surgeries in the sense that there is no incision or scars created through tearing and opening of the body.

We are going to take a look at the difference between Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and other procedure that requires surgery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty	Other surgical procedures
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is completely non-surgical. The procedure is performed by inserting an endoscopic suturing device through the mouth of a patient to the stomach. The suturing device helps to shrink the stomach so as to limit the amount of food that the stomach can take. ESG is a relatively quick procedure that takes about 60-180 minutes. Patients recover very fast and can go back to work within 2-3 days.	Other surgical procedures of weight loss are perfumed through incisions and cutting of the abdominal walls. Surgical instruments are used to perform the procedure inside the stomach. After the procedure, there are scares created due to incisions. Surgical procedures take about 1-2 days. Patients can only return to work after 1-2 weeks.
In ESG, there is no serious adverse effect such as bleeding and other complications. No death has been recorded since the procedure came into existence. Patients have assurance that they will be safe and free from any kind of infections.	With surgical procedures, there are cases of serious complications. The percentage rate of serious complications till now is between 2-6%. Death rates have been recorded to be 0.11%. Patients does not have 100% assurance that they will be safe and free from infections after the procedure.

Benefits of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

With ESG, you will experience different health benefits and also the cost of the procedure is relatively low compared to other surgical procedures.

Below are some benefits of ESG;

ESG reduces hunger

ESG reduces the hunger hormone called Ghrelin. This hormone is the reason why we feel hungry and for those that are overweight, the hormone rate is high thus making them eat excessively and frequently.

With the help of ESG, this hormone is reduced, thus reducing hunger rate and reducing the rate of eating.

Excessive and frequent eating unhealthy diets are the major reason why we get overweight. ESG helps to reduce the rate of eating, thus reducing weight gain.

ESG reduces obesity-related health problems

 Different health problems arises due to overweight. Health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, stroke and other obesity-related health conditions are greatly reduced.

Relief from joint pains and weakness of the body

Most people that are overweight experience pains on their joints and weakness of the body. This is due to large body mass.

They cannot easily move their selves from one place to another without feeling weak and tired. They feel pains in their joints because the joints are over-worked due to the excess weight they carry.

ESG prevents all these by greatly reducing weight and body mass.

1. Increase in energy level – People that are overweight experience frequent loss of energy. With the help of ESG, they experience an increase in their energy level because they have reduced in weight and are more agile.
2. No incisions and scars – With this procedure, there are no incisions or cuts on the skin, hence patients are free from surgical scars.
3. No surgical pains – With ESG, patients do not experience surgical pains, unlike other surgical procedures. There are no loss of blood and no after-surgery pains. Patients can go about their daily activities after a day or two.
4. Lower cost – The cost of ESG is relatively low compared to other surgical procedures of reducing weight. This is a great benefit for people that are overweight and want to reduce their weight but have low budgets.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty results

ESG may be your option if you are significantly overweight with a body mass of 30 and above. This procedure can lead to a great weight loss. You will experience a significant loss of weight after a few months.

The result you will get also depends on the changes in your eating habits. You need to eat healthily and reduce the portion you eat.

ESG has shown great results in patients who have undergone the procedure over the years.

A recent study that was done shown that people with an average Body Mass Index (BMI) of about 38 experience a loss of about 39 pounds (17.8 kilograms) after undergoing ESG within the first 6 months. They experience a loss of about 42 pounds (19 kilograms) after 12 months.

The study also showed that people with an average BMI of about 45 experience a loss of about 73 pounds (33 kilograms) within the first 6 months.

Patients that have undergone ESG experience weight loss of about 50% of their excess body weight after 6 months. After 12 months of undergoing the procedure, patients experience 80% loss of their excess weight.

Results of ESG varies depending on each individual. It could depend on their blood sugar control level, blood pressure control level, dieting and some other factors.

It is advisable to be committed to the program and follow your doctor’s advice and dieting plan. Light exercises are required at the initial stage after the procedure and then you can slowly increase your exercise rate.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty cost

ESG cost differs from country to country. The total cost is the combination of all the general procedures including hospital, anesthetic and surgeon fees, routine follow up appointments.

Before the procedure, you need to consult with your doctor and follow all the preparatory routines.

The cost of ESG depends on the hospital, the location, the skill and expertise of the health care practitioners and other necessary materials for the successful completion of the procedure.

Generally, the cost of ESG could be from the range of $9,000 – $18,000 depending on different factors.

Let’s take a look at the cost of ESG in TEXAS

Cost of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Texas, United States

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a relatively new procedure and because of this, there is no feasible insurance to cover the cost. It is financed by individuals.

The cost of ESG in Texas is between $10,000 – $12,000. Monthly payments can be made for as low as $258 per month. Monthly payment is based on the purchase price alone, excluding taxes and interests.

– Who is eligible for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty 

It is a requirement that patients should consult with their doctors first before undergoing ESG. ESG is not for everyone who is overweight. Medical check-ups and other medical screening need to be done to know if you are eligible for the procedure.

Generally, for you to be eligible for an ESG procedure, you need to meet up with some important requirements. These requirements include;

• Your Body Mass Index (BMI) should be 30 and above – ESG is a procedure for people that are very overweight. If your BMI is not up to 30 and above, you are not suitable to undergo ESG because you may become underweight which will be detrimental to your health.
• You do not have any prior stomach surgery – ESG is not recommended if you have done any form of stomach surgery before. This is because it could have adverse effects on your health and could lead to complications.
• You do not have any history of gastrointestinal bleeding – If you have gastrointestinal bleeding or history of gastrointestinal bleeding, you are not eligible for ESG because it might lead to complications.
• You are willing to commit to a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet – It is not all about Performing ESG, you need to be committed to a healthy lifestyle and healthy dieting because failure to do this might lead to complications.

You should be willing to follow your doctor’s advice and recommendations. You need to be committed to regular exercising.

• ESG is for people who are not eligible for bariatric surgeries – Some people may be eligible for ESG if they are not eligible for other forms of bariatric surgeries. This is because in other bariatric surgeries, there will be incisions but with ESG, there are no incisions.

There may be other medical reasons why some people are not eligible for bariatric surgeries. It is recommended to seek advice from your doctor and other medical professionals.

• You have tried using dieting and exercise to lose weight but have failed – If you have tried all you can to lose weight following a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle through exercise but have failed, then you can undergo ESG.

Most people that are very overweight find it difficult to lose weight even when they follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. In such cases, the next best available solution is to undergo ESG.

• If your weight is having negative impacts on your health – Obesity is the cause of most health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and other health conditions.

Most people that are overweight are faced with one or more of these health conditions and as such, they are advised to reduce weight.

• If you are scared of incisions and you do not want scars on your body – Some people are very scared of incisions and they do not want any scars on their body.

If you are in this category and you are looking for a procedure that will leave your body without scars, you can opt for ESG. Remember to seek medical advice from your doctor before engaging in the procedure.

• You should be 18 years old and above – For you to be eligible for ESG, you should be 18 years and above. This is the medically accepted age for individuals who want to undergo the procedure. This is to prevent any form of medical complications.

 Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty diet

Diet after few hours of the procedure –

After undergoing ESG procedure, patients can start taking clear liquids that are sugar-free 4 hours later. Patients can as well take water and ice cubes. Liquids that are low in sugar, such as low calorie sports drinks, sugar-free popsicles and other similar drinks with no sugar or very low sugar.

At this stage, patients can take as much clear liquid as possible. Liquids that are extremely hot or extremely cold are not recommended. Patients should take liquids that are of moderate temperature. Liquid should be drunk slowly because gulping of liquid increases the amount of air being swallowed which can lead to belching.

ESG Diet within a week (1 – 7 days) after the procedure –

In the first seven days of undergoing ESG, solid foods are not recommended. Patients are advised to continue drinking liquid but in a larger quantity. Tea, water and other carbonated drinks with low sugar can be taken. Patients can take hotter or colder water.

ESG  Diet within 2 – 4 weeks (8 – 28 days) after the procedure –

Within 2 – 4 weeks after the procedure, patients can take semi-solid foods that are low in fat and sugar. Soft foods that can be easily mashed with a spoon and does not take much effort to chew are allowed.

Strong foods such as meat, bread, chicken, and other similar foods should be avoided. Take a small portion of food and slowly chew. Swallow and wait for about 15 seconds before taking another bite.

Foods taken should be low in fat, not more than 6 grams per meal and also low in sugar, not more than 5 grams per meal. Foods that contain proteins are ideal to take in this stage. Foods rich in protein of about 12-20 grams per meal are recommended.

Recommended foods that contain protein include beans, lentils, fish, tuna, corned beef, shrimps, and other soft food that are rich in protein.

It is advised to stop eating with you realize that you are full. Do not force yourself to continue eating because doing that you may feel pains on your stomach and possibly vomit.

It is advisable not to spend more than 20 minutes eating continuously. Eat every 3 hours of foods rich in protein. Stop drinking fluids 15 minutes before eating and do not drink fluids 30 minutes after eating.

It is recommended to drink 6 cups of size 8-ounce of fluid per day. Fluids should be low in calorie. Water, sugar-free drinks and tea are recommended. Carbonated drinks are not allowed.

Vegetables and fresh fruits are also allowed.

ESG Diet after 4 weeks (after 28 days) after the procedure –

After 4 weeks of undergoing ESG, patients can start eating solid foods that are low in sugar and fat. Solid food low in fat and sugar as mentioned above in week 2 – 4 can be taken.

Foods which include white rice, beef, soft bread, pasta, string beans, vegetables, are allowed. Do not put a large portion of food in your mouth at once. Cut food into little bits before putting them in your mouth.

Patients have to be conscious not to overfeed yourself as it might increase the size of the stomach. Small portions of food should be eaten to maintain the size of the stomach. At the first sign of fullness, patients should stop eating.

Liquids with high-level calories should be avoided. Liquids such as ice cream, milk, juices, sodas, protein shakes, vitamin drinks, and other high-level calories should be avoided. Patients should always drink liquid with no or low calories.

Always avoid foods that are high in fat and calories as they can slow down or reverse your weight loss.

Fried foods such as fried plantains, French fries, fried chicken, fried meat, fried eggs, French toast, grilled cheese, sandwiches, egg rolls, meat pie and other fried foods such be avoided.

Eat boiled and steam foods rather than fried foods.

Vitamins and minerals should be taken according to direction from your dietician.

Increase fiber in your diet by eating more fruits, vegetables, cereals, beans or any fiber supplements.

 Does insurance cover endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a relatively new weight loss procedure and thus most insurance companies do not cover it.

The procedure is mostly financed by individual patients. Patients can take medical financial loans and repay their loans within a period of 12 months to 4 years.

Best endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Doctor inDallas, Texas.

Dr. Prashant Kedia MD is a Gastroenterologist. He is from New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine and proceeded further to complete his residency in Internal Medicine in Philadelphia from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.

He completed his medical training in New York City by completing a general gastroenterology fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai with an extra year of advanced Endoscopy fellowship at Weill Cornell Medical Center.

With so much learning and training at different medical academic and training centers, Dr. Kedia is unarguably one of the most experienced Gastroenterologists in Dallas, Texas.  

Therapeutic Endoscopy has been his passion for a very long time. After spending a significant part of his life studying and learning to be a Gastroenterologist and an Interventionist, he is now living his passion by practicing what he had a passion for and using it to help the people in Dallas and around the United States achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Endoscopy and intervention techniques are evolving and advancing very rapidly with diagnostic and therapeutic options available for patients. These techniques allow for minimal invasion and incisions.

Procedures that were very invasive years ago are no longer invasive as simpler and less-invasive techniques have emerged. Surgeries, whereby patients undergo cuts and incisions, are now replaced with endoscopy.

Dr. Kedia is practically involved in this newest technology and intervention. This makes him happy as he sees his patients happier due to their quick recovery after undergoing endoscopic procedures. Patients are free from scars of the body and they do not suffer from bleeding or complications.

According to him, one of the most gratifying aspects of his job is having a patient smile at him and thank him after undergoing endoscopic procedures. Patients are happy because they are not faced with the aftermath of major surgery and they can go back home the same day of the procedure without no pain.

Endoscopy techniques save patients the pains and possible complications they would have gone through if they had undergone surgical operations.

Dr. Kedia’s goal is to perform endoscopic procedures that the highest and most effective level so as to help patients and also advance the field of endoscopy through teaching and constant research. The purpose of his clinic visits is to answer patients’ questions and make them understand the procedure that he will do.

FAQS

How long does endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty last?

The procedures can vary significantly in length, depending on the individual case. Generally, most endoscopic sleeve gastroplasties last between one and two hours.

Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty permanent?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a weight-loss surgery performed by shrinking the stomach through a tube inserted down the throat. This surgery is not permanent; the stomach can return to its original size if the patient does not maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

What happens to the stomach after ESG?

After an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), the stomach is much smaller. It can hold about 60-80% less food than before the surgery. This is because the abdomen is much narrower and shorter. A smaller stomach means you will feel full more quickly and won’t be able to eat as much. This can help you lose weight.

Is ESG surgery painful?

ESG surgery is minimally invasive, so most patients report only mild discomfort during and after the surgery. However, every canditates is different; some may experience more pain than others. Talk to your physician about pain management options if you’re worried about pain during your ESG surgery.

What can I eat after ESG?

After your ESG, you can eat anything you want – no restrictions. Just be sure to listen to your body and eat when hungry. Some people feel better after eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones. And it’s always the best idea to drink plenty of water.

Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty FDA approved in Dallas, Tx?

Yes, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is FDA approved. The FDA has cleared this weight loss surgery as a safe and effective treatment for obesity. This surgery is also known as gastric sleeve surgery or vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It is a minimally invasive process that reduces your stomach size, helping you feel full faster and eat less.