Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a weight loss procedure that uses a suturing device to make the stomach smaller and shorter, helping the patient lose weight by limiting how much they can eat. The procedure is minimally invasive and incisionless, which reduces risks and allows the patient to return to daily activities more quickly.

Like other weight-loss procedures, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty requires permanent, healthy changes to ensure its long-term success.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure and general anesthesia is used. The endoscopist uses a suturing device attached to an endoscope to access the stomach, allowing for an incisionless procedure. The physician then places sutures in the stomach to change structure of the stomach, restricting the stomach volume and limiting the amount of food the patient can consume.

This procedure may be an option if the patient has a body mass index of 30 or more, and diet and exercise changes have been unsuccessful. This can also be an option for patients who need surgery for other reasons, including weight loss, but are too sick for surgery. Patients can expect about 20 percent weight loss with this procedure.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty does not use surgical incisions. Most patients return home the same day and can resume daily activity one to three days after the procedure. Patients can expect a full recovery after four weeks.

Having an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty does not exclude you from having bariatric surgery. This procedure can be done in patients who have prior sleeve, whether it was done surgically or endoscopically. Tightening of the stomach can also be done endoscopically in patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery. Patients may return to work the day after this procedure as well.

Endoscopic Balloon Placement (intragastric balloon) is a weight loss procedure that aims to reduce the amount of food consumed by increasing the feeling of being full. This is achieved through a minimally invasive procedure.

During the procedure, the endoscopist inserts a soft yet durable, saline-filled balloon into the stomach via endoscopy. This method is designed to jump-start the weight loss process, and the balloon will be removed from the stomach after six months. Most of the weight is lost during the first four months of treatment, and patients lose an average of 15 percent of their body weight during the six-month placement.

Some discomfort during the first few days after the procedure is common, however, this should dissipate if you follow the portion size recommendations provided by your gastroenterologist. You may be able to feel the balloon when you gently press down on your stomach.