A New Approach to Weight Loss — Without Surgery

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

For people who have struggled to achieve lasting weight loss through diet, exercise or medication alone, there may be another option between traditional medical weight management and bariatric surgery.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach without abdominal incisions or removing any portion of the stomach.

Performed using an endoscope passed through the mouth, ESG reshapes the stomach from the inside using a series of specialized sutures. The smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach helps you feel full sooner, eat smaller portions and make meaningful progress toward your weight-loss goals.

At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, ESG is part of our comprehensive approach to weight management — combining advanced treatment options with the nutrition, lifestyle guidance and ongoing support you need for long-term success.

What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is an advanced weight-loss procedure performed entirely through the mouth.

While you are under anesthesia, your physician guides a thin, flexible endoscope through the mouth and into the stomach. A specialized suturing system is then used to place a series of stitches within the stomach, folding the stomach inward and creating a smaller, sleeve-like shape.

Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, no portion of the stomach is surgically removed.

There are also:

• No abdominal incisions
• No external scars
• No rerouting of the digestive system

By reducing the stomach’s capacity, ESG can help you feel satisfied with smaller portions and stay full longer.

The Benefits of ESG

For appropriately selected patients, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty offers several potential advantages:

Minimally Invasive
The entire procedure is performed through the mouth, eliminating the need for abdominal incisions.

No Stomach Removal
Unlike surgical sleeve gastrectomy, ESG reshapes the existing stomach using sutures rather than permanently removing a portion of it.

Shorter Recovery
Because there are no abdominal incisions, most patients are able to return to normal daily activities relatively quickly.

Same-Day Procedure for Many Patients
ESG is generally performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing many patients to return home the same day.

Meaningful Weight Loss
When combined with nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle changes, ESG can help patients achieve significant weight loss.

A New Option Between Medication and Surgery
For some patients, ESG may provide an additional treatment option when lifestyle changes alone haven’t produced lasting results and traditional bariatric surgery isn’t desired or appropriate.

Who May Be a Candidate for ESG?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty may be an option for adults who:

• Have obesity and are seeking meaningful, sustainable weight loss
• Have been unable to achieve or maintain adequate weight loss through lifestyle changes alone
• Prefer a less invasive alternative to traditional bariatric surgery
• May not qualify for traditional weight-loss surgery
• Are willing to make long-term changes to nutrition and physical activity
• Are committed to regular follow-up with their weight-management team

Eligibility for ESG is determined individually. Your care team will review your health history, previous weight-loss efforts, current medications, weight-related medical conditions and personal goals to determine whether ESG or another treatment option is right for you.

What Happens During ESG?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is performed while you are under anesthesia.

Your physician inserts a flexible endoscope equipped with a camera and specialized suturing system through the mouth and into the stomach. Using the camera for guidance, a series of sutures are placed within the stomach wall.

These sutures bring portions of the stomach together, creating a narrower, sleeve-like shape and reducing the amount of food the stomach can comfortably hold.

Because the procedure is performed entirely through the mouth, there are no abdominal incisions and no external scars.

After the procedure, you will be monitored during recovery. Many patients are able to return home the same day, although your care team will determine the appropriate plan for you.

What Can I Expect After ESG?

Your weight-loss journey doesn’t end when the procedure is completed. In many ways, that’s where it begins.

Following ESG, you will gradually progress through a specially designed diet as your stomach heals. Your care team will provide detailed instructions regarding liquids, foods, medications and physical activity during recovery.

Over time, the smaller stomach can help you:

• Feel full sooner
• Become satisfied with smaller meals
• Better control portion sizes
• Develop healthier eating habits
• Achieve and maintain meaningful weight loss

Individual results vary, and ESG is not a replacement for healthy habits. Long-term success requires a commitment to nutrition, physical activity and continued follow-up with your weight-management team.

More Than a Procedure — A Weight-Loss Program

Successful weight loss isn’t simply about making the stomach smaller.

It’s about giving you the right tools, treatment and support to make lasting changes.

At Columbus Regional Healthcare System, ESG is offered as part of a comprehensive approach to weight management. Our team works with you before and after your procedure to help you develop the habits necessary to achieve your goals and maintain your progress.

Depending on your individual needs, your journey may include:

• Medical evaluation
• Nutrition education and counseling
• Lifestyle and behavioral guidance
• Exercise recommendations
• Ongoing weight monitoring
• Regular follow-up with your care team

Our goal isn’t simply to help you lose weight. It’s to help you improve your health, increase your mobility and create changes you can maintain for years to come.

Is ESG Right for You?

There is no single weight-loss treatment that’s right for everyone.

For some patients, lifestyle changes or medical weight management may be appropriate. Others may benefit from Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty or bariatric surgery.

The first step is understanding your options.

Talk with the Columbus Regional Healthcare System Weight Loss Surgery team to learn whether Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty may be right for you.

Take the First Step

If you’ve struggled with your weight and are ready to explore a new approach, we’re ready to help.

Schedule a consultation with our Weight Loss Surgery team and discover which weight-loss option is right for you.

ESG vs Surgical Sleeve	ESG	Surgical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Abdominal incisions	No	Yes
Portion of stomach removed	No	Yes
Performed through mouth	Yes	No
Digestive system rerouted	No	No
General anesthesia	Yes	Yes
Lifestyle changes required	Yes	Yes