Many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight and have unsuccessfully tried numerous methods and approaches for sustainable weight loss. There are a number of variables that can affect a person’s ability to lose weight or that can promote weight gain. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, some of these patients will never be able to lose weight without the help of medical professionals.
Although an effective weight loss method, bariatric surgery is only utilized by 1% of the patients who qualify for it. The risks, complications, and potential side effects all play a role in a patient’s decision to forego bariatric surgery, but the lengthy recovery times are frequently the most significant deterrent.
The most popular bariatric surgery in the United States today is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG or VSG), commonly called gastric sleeve. It has a high success rate and offers fewer risks and complications compared to other types of bariatric surgery; however, it is still a major surgery and necessitates a fairly lengthy recovery period.
What if there were a procedure that would offer the benefits of bariatric surgery but was completed without a single incision and without the elevated risks and long recovery times?
Today, we are going to tell you about a procedure called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) that can help you lose weight without having surgery. We will talk a bit about the procedure and then show you a comparison of ESG recovery time vs. that of bariatric surgery.
Why You May Want To Consider ESG To Help You Lose Weight?
Fairly recently, the FDA approved a non-surgical treatment called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) as a treatment for obesity due to its remarkable efficacy in clinical studies.
For patients who may be contemplating gastric sleeve surgery or who don’t want or cannot have surgery due to health reasons, ESG may be a well-received and viable option. If you were thinking about surgery, it is a no-brainer! You get the same weight loss results without surgery and without removing part of your stomach. For those of you who would never consider surgery, ESG was designed just for you.
Let’s look at the two weight loss options side by side so you can see why!
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Recovery Time Is Much Quicker Than Bariatric Surgery
| Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) | Non-Surgical ESG | |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison of the procedure steps | This is a surgical procedure.
Gastric sleeve surgery is permanent. There is no way to restore the excised stomach. | This procedure does not require incisions and is not a surgery.
ESG is reversible if necessary. |
| Hospital stay | Between one and three nights. | ESG is an outpatient procedure, so there is no time in the hospital. |
| Qualifications for the procedure | Patients who do not have medical conditions that would exclude them from having a surgical procedure. Patients with a body mass index over 35 and one or more conditions related to their weight (i.e., hypertension). Patients with a body mass index of over 40. | Patients who do not have a history of stomach ulcers, large hiatal hernias, or bleeding disorders. Patients with a body mass index of over 27. |
| Time for procedure | Between 120 and 150 minutes. | Between 60 and 90 minutes. |
| Condition of patient’s stomach post-procedure | The usable capacity of the stomach is 25% of its original size, and the remainder of the original stomach has been permanently removed. | The usable part of the stomach has been made smaller and is not about 14 of its original size. This is done by reshaping and stitching it, but all the original tissue is still present and can be reversed or revised. |
| How long is recovery? | It takes two to three weeks for abdominal incisions to heal, and a total of about 6–8 weeks for the stomach. | Patients are usually back to their usual schedule in under a week, making the ESG recovery timeline ideal! |
| Visible Scars | 4 to 5 small scars on the abdomen. | None. No incisions = No scars. |
| Post-procedure restrictions | Patients have to resume their exercise and physical activity schedules gradually and have to wait at least 30 days before even attempting light activities. After 6 weeks, they can work up to moderate physical activity and exercise. | Patients are not given specific directives regarding physical activities, and they can resume their routine schedule or exercise routine as soon as they feel up to it. |
| Typical weight loss results 2 years post-procedure. | Most patients lose about 60% of their excess weight after 24 months. | Typical patients lose around. 60-65% of their excess body weight in 24 months. |
| Potential for risks or complications | 12% | 2% |
ESG Recovery Timeline Is 83% Shorter Than Bariatric Surgery
It is clear that undergoing the non-surgical ESG procedure using only sutures versus removing a portion of the stomach with a scalpel makes recovery much faster and offers less potential for post-procedure complications.
Since endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty recovery time is so brief, patients can resume or get started almost immediately on their daily exercise goals that will help them reach their ideal weight.
What Does Recovery Look Like After ESG?
Your Diet After ESG
Your doctor will guide you through a step-by-step diet while your stomach heals. Most plans start with liquids, move to soft or semisolid foods, and then add small portions of regular food. Timelines vary, so your doctor’s instructions come first. Johns Hopkins Medicine and Mayo Clinic use different schedules. Simmons MD health coaching and our life after ESG guide can help you plan meals for the long term.
Returning to Exercise After ESG
Short, easy walks may be a good first step when you feel ready, and your doctor approves. You can increase your time and intensity slowly. Strength training exercises can be added when your doctor says you are ready. You should discontinue an activity and call your doctor if you have severe pain, worsening symptoms, dizziness, weakness, or trouble staying hydrated.
Let Us Help You Lose Weight Without Surgery
If you have been wrestling with weight loss and want to lose weight and keep it off, Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions is here to help you do it. With the help of a non-surgical weight loss procedure like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and our team of caring professionals providing support, you will be successful in reaching your weight loss goals.
We will not only create a personal weight loss program based on your unique circumstances, but we will be there every step of the way, providing guidance and strategies to overcome any obstacles you may encounter. Losing weight is hard, and for some of you, it is impossible because outside forces are working against you. Dr. Simmons understands the complex nuances of obesity, and he will work with you to identify these forces and create a plan to defeat them.
Contact Simmons MD Advanced Loss Solutions today to learn more about how a non-surgical procedure like ESG, with its quick recovery time, can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the ESG Diet After the Procedure?
The ESG diet is a step-by-step return to food that gives your stomach time to heal. Your plan will usually start with liquids and move to soft foods. Small portions of regular food come later. Your doctor will set the schedule for you.
How Long Will I Be on a Liquid Diet After ESG?
The liquid phase often lasts one to two weeks, but there is no single schedule for every patient. Johns Hopkins uses a one-week liquid phase. Mayo Clinic advises liquids for at least two weeks. Your doctor’s instructions are the right timeline for your recovery.
When Can I Exercise After ESG?
You may be able to begin with short, gentle walks when your doctor approves and you feel steady. More intense cardio, strength training, and longer workouts should return slowly. Your symptoms, hydration, health history, and doctor’s advice should guide the pace.
What Foods Should I Avoid After ESG?
You should avoid solid food until your doctor says your stomach is ready. Your long-term plan may also limit foods high in sugar, fat, or calories. These foods can work against your weight-loss goals. Your doctor or health coach can help you choose foods that provide nutrition without overfilling your stomach.
Why Do Diet and Exercise Still Matter After ESG?
Diet and exercise still matter because ESG is a tool, not a full weight-loss plan by itself. The procedure can help you feel full with less food. Your daily habits support your health and long-term progress. Regular follow-up gives you a chance to adjust the plan when something is not working.
