Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to help obese patients lose weight. An endoscope – a long, thin tube with a camera – is inserted through the mouth to suture the stomach into a narrower, tube-like shape.
ESG is an excellent long-term, sustainable weight loss solution as it reduces the stomach size and capacity, enabling patients to feel fuller for longer with less food. It is especially relevant for patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 for whom diet and exercise have been ineffective – once patients pass a certain weight and age, the body is often unable to lose weight due to factors like weight-related hormone imbalances, genetics, and other underlying causes.
ESG is also a more permanent alternative to weight loss medications, which may be effective at suppressing the appetite in the short-term, but often weight is always regained after the medication has been stopped.
We are delighted to have Dr Vincenzo Bove, a Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeon from Rome working with Dr Rees Cameron at Wakefield on Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, and Saturday 23rd November.
Contact us if you wish to make an appointment.
Left to right : Dr Rees Cameron, Dr Vincenzo Bove, Dr Arpad Patai
As a general overview, ESG may be suitable for people who:
• Have a BMI of 30 to 40
• Cannot lose weight through diet and exercise
• Have a weight-related illness such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea etc
• Are committed to making a change to a healthier lifestyle
• Are seeking an alternative solution to more invasive weight loss surgeries
Before we recommend ESG, we will need to establish whether the procedure is right for you.
“ESG is the first of many new endoscopic treatments for overweight/obesity that will eventually replace surgery in most if not all cases. Endoscopic treatment has the advantage of much faster recovery times post-procedure, lower complication rates, and retaining your original anatomy if things don’t go to plan”.
• Long-term: ESG has proven to be a highly effective and sustainable weight loss solution, and it is the most commonly performed obesity procedure globally.
• Effective: Depending on your starting weight and how well you adapt to the necessary diet and lifestyle changes, around 15 – 20% total body weight loss is generally expected in the first two years.
• Fast recovery: As the entire procedure is performed through the mouth and not cutting the skin, recovery is fast, and there are less opportunities for complications.
• Reversible: With ESG, none of the stomach is removed, rather it is reduced with sutures. Therefore, the surgery is reversible if required.
• Weight loss, particularly if diet and exercise are ineffective
• Reduced risk of weight-related illnesses
• Minimally invasive – no incisions
• Fast recovery and less complications
• Supports a healthier lifestyle
This depends on your condition. Generally you would be recovered to go home a few hours after the procedure.
Recovery rates vary but most people report feeling well 24-48 hours after surgery.
Once released from hospital, you should expect to be back to your regular routine within 1-2 weeks.
Dr Rees Cameron is an affiliated provider for Southern Cross.