Discover Endoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (ESG) at AnMed
If you're struggling to lose weight despite efforts with diet and exercise, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (ESG) could be a solution for you. This non-invasive procedure, offered by AnMed's skilled providers in Anderson, offers an effective alternative to traditional weight loss surgery. ESG is designed to help you lose weight and regain control of your health, all with minimal downtime and no incisions.
What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (ESG)?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (ESG) is a cutting-edge, non-surgical procedure that reduces the size of your stomach. Using a special endoscopic suturing system, your stomach is folded and sutured internally, decreasing its size by 70-80%. This allows you to feel fuller with smaller portions and absorb fewer calories from food, helping you achieve long-term weight loss. Since no incisions are needed, recovery is quicker, and you can go home the same day.
Is ESG Right for You?
ESG is a great option for people who have struggled with diet and exercise and have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30. If you're looking for a non-invasive weight loss solution and wish to avoid gastric bypass surgery, ESG may be the right choice. This procedure is ideal for those seeking a long-term weight loss solution, especially for individuals who aren't candidates for traditional bariatric surgery.
AnMed's team will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you understand the commitment needed for success. This includes following a comprehensive diet and exercise plan after your procedure.
How ESG Works
The ESG procedure is quick, taking about 45-90 minutes, and is performed under sedation. During the procedure, an endoscope is gently inserted into your stomach through your mouth. Using a special suturing device, the stomach is reduced in size by placing sutures along its greater curve. The result? A smaller stomach that helps you feel full faster and absorb fewer calories from food.
Benefits of ESG at AnMed
With ESG, you can expect significant weight loss results. On average, you may lose up to 60% of your excess weight within 6-12 months. In addition to weight loss, many people experience improvements in overall health, such as:
- Better blood sugar control
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced fatty liver
- Improved sleep apnea
Most importantly, ESG helps you regain control of your health and your life, offering lasting changes without the need for invasive surgery.
Recovery After ESG
One of the greatest benefits of ESG is its minimal recovery time. Most people take just 2-3 days to rest and recover before resuming their normal activities. Since the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you can go home the same day. After that, you'll be able to get back to work and everyday life within a short period.
Eating after the ESG Procedure
After your Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) procedure, your doctor will give you clear guidelines on what to eat as you adjust to your new stomach size. In the beginning, your diet will be more restricted to help with recovery and to ease your stomach into the changes. Here's a general outline of what to expect:
- First 8 hours: Only clear liquids, no food
- First week: Stick to a liquid diet with added powdered protein, avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Second week: Soft foods that are easy to mash with a fork, keeping them low in sugar and fat
- After one month: You can start incorporating small portions of solid food
Once you've fully recovered from ESG, there won't be specific restrictions on the types of food you can eat, but continuing to focus on healthy, nutritious foods will help you achieve better long-term results. Your doctor or nutritionist will guide you on adopting healthy habits that can include:
- Eating slowly to avoid overeating and discomfort
- Chewing your food thoroughly
- Staying hydrated
- Stopping when you're full
- Keeping portions small (aim for no more than one cup of food per meal)
- Continuing to choose foods low in sugar, fat, and calories
Are there any complications or side effects?
After your ESG procedure, you may experience some temporary discomfort, such as stomach aches, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms are usually short-lived, and if needed, your doctor can provide medication to help manage them as you recover.
Since ESG is a minimally invasive procedure, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, as with any medical procedure, there are a few potential risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection (your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce this risk)
- Tears in the stomach
- Abscess (a pocket of infection)
- Leakage of stomach contents into the chest or abdominal area
- Pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs)
- Pneumoperitoneum (air or gas in the abdominal cavity)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
These complications are rare, and your doctor will take every precaution to ensure a safe procedure and recovery.
Long-Term Results
While the immediate results are impressive, maintaining weight loss success is a long-term commitment. To keep the weight off and improve your overall health, you'll need to follow a healthy diet and stay active. ESG can provide lasting results when combined with a commitment to lifestyle changes.
Why Choose ESG at AnMed in Anderson?
AnMed's experienced providers are dedicated to offering high-quality, compassionate care for all patients. With a commitment to patient safety and excellence in care, AnMed is proud to be a recognized center for advanced weight loss procedures like ESG. You'll receive:
- Personalized care from experienced providers who specialize in non-surgical weight loss
- A comprehensive approach that includes nutritional and psychological support
- Access to 24/7 medical staff for your peace of mind