Overview Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), also known as intragastric suturing, is an innovative, non-surgical weight-loss procedure performed entirely through the mouth—without external incisions or scars. A flexible endoscope with a specialized suturing device is guided down the throat into the stomach, where full-thickness sutures are placed along the stomach walls to reduce its size and volume by up to 80%. This creates a sleeve-like shape that promotes portion control, early satiety, and sustainable calorie reduction.
As a leading option for obesity treatment, ESG is ideal for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher who haven't succeeded with diet and exercise alone. Compared to traditional bariatric surgery, it offers minimal downtime, lower complication rates, and no general anesthesia risks associated with laparoscopy. Learn more about bariatric surgery options at UChicago AdventHealth. For detailed ESG guidelines, refer to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) position statement here.
Benefits of No-Incision Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
ESG delivers transformative results for long-term weight management by:
- Shrinking stomach capacity to curb overeating and promote fullness
- Reducing ghrelin (hunger hormone) levels for better appetite control
- Enabling rapid recovery—most patients resume work in 2-3 days
- Eliminating surgical scars and minimizing post-procedure pain
When paired with our clinic's nutrition counseling and lifestyle coaching, patients typically achieve 15–20% total body weight loss within 12–24 months. This incision-free approach also lowers risks like infection or blood clots compared to surgical alternatives.
Who Is a Candidate for ESG?
ESG could be your path to lasting weight loss if you:
- Have a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with obesity-related conditions like diabetes)
- Have tried and failed non-invasive methods like diet, exercise, or medications
- Seek a non-surgical obesity treatment with quick recovery
- Are ready for lifelong healthy habits with medical support
It's not recommended for those with large hiatal hernias, uncontrolled GERD, or active GI issues like ulcers. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation, including EGD (upper endoscopy), to confirm eligibility. Explore patient success stories from our LaGrange clinic.
Note: Insurance coverage for ESG varies—many plans now include it as medically necessary. Contact your provider or our billing team for verification; self-pay options are available.
Risks and Safety Based on clinical research
ESG has a strong safety profile with complication rates under 2%. Common side effects include temporary nausea, bloating, or sore throat, easily managed with over-the-counter remedies. Rare risks—such as suture slippage, bleeding, or perforation—are far lower than in sleeve gastrectomy.
For more on ESG safety and outcomes, see the Mayo Clinic's detailed procedure overview.
Post-procedure monitoring ensures peace of mind, with follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, and quarterly. For more on ESG safety data, reference ASMBS clinical outcomes here.
How to prepare for the procedure
Our multidisciplinary team tailors prep to your needs, including:
- Comprehensive labs, cardiac clearance, and psychological assessment
- 2-week low-residue diet to optimize stomach conditions
- Medication review (e.g., pausing blood thinners)
- Intro to our pre-ESG exercise program for metabolic boost
Plan for a companion on procedure day. Most return home within hours, with light activity resuming immediately.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
Duration: 60–90 minutes under sedation (not full general anesthesia)
- Process: Oral endoscope insertion; 8–12 sutures placed to form the gastric sleeve
- Immediate Post-Op: Observation for 2–4 hours; same-day discharge typical
- Diet Timeline: Liquids (Week 1) → Purees (Week 2) → Soft solids (Week 3+) → Balanced meals
Follow our app-based tracking for nutrition and activity. Virtual check-ins keep you on track for optimal results.
Expected Results
Dedicated patients see 10–20% body weight loss in Year 1, with sustained maintenance through our support programs. ESG often resolves or improves comorbidities like:
- Type 2 diabetes (remission in 60–70% of cases)
- Hypertension and dyslipidemia
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Joint issues and NAFLD
Track your progress with our clinic's tools—many achieve life-changing health gains.
Long-Term Commitment Success
ESG demands ongoing partnership: balanced nutrition, 150+ minutes weekly exercise, and 3–6 month check-ins. Our LaGrange clinic offers group support, telehealth, and revisions if needed. You're not alone—join our community for sustained wellness.
Q1: What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
A: ESG is a cutting-edge, incision-free obesity treatment using endoscopic suturing to resize the stomach, limiting intake and fostering 15–20% weight loss over 12–24 months without surgery.
Q2: Who is a good candidate for ESG?
A: Adults with BMI 30+ who've plateaued on lifestyle changes, seeking minimally invasive options. Exclusions include severe GERD; our free screening assesses fit.
Q3: How is ESG different from gastric sleeve surgery?
A: ESG reshapes via temporary sutures (no tissue removal), done orally in under 90 minutes with 1–2 day recovery—versus laparoscopic surgery's 4–6 week downtime and scars.
Q4: What is the recovery time after ESG?
A: Back to desk work in 1–2 days; full activity in a week. Follow our phased diet for comfort.
Q5: Does insurance cover Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?
A: Increasingly yes, as a covered bariatric procedure. We assist with pre-authorization; financing for uninsured patients available.
Q6: Where can I get ESG near me?
A: At UChicago AdventHealth’s Bariatric and Obesity Medicine Clinic in LaGrange, IL—convenient for Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Hinsdale, and Chicago’s west suburbs.
Schedule a Consultation Today Ready to explore ESG as your non-surgical weight loss solution? Book a personalized evaluation with our experts at UChicago AdventHealth’s Bariatric and Obesity Medicine Clinic in LaGrange.
Our board-certified team delivers evidence-based care, from initial consult to lifelong support, helping thousands in the Chicago area transform their health.
📍 5101 Willow Springs Rd, LaGrange, IL 60525 | Serving Oak Brook, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Hinsdale & Chicago’s Western Suburbs 📞 .
