Preparing for a non-surgical weight loss procedure like the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) can be exciting but may also bring anxiety if you’re not well-prepared. At True You Weight Loss, the nation’s leading endobariatric weight loss center, we ensure you know what to expect every step of the way. Having performed thousands of ESG procedures, our expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve safe, effective, and sustainable weight loss.
DR. CHRISTOPHER MCGOWN
Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, a leader in endobariatrics, specializes in non-surgical obesity treatments and is triple-board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity Medicine. Renowned for pioneering endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with over 2,000 procedures, his global influence and research contributions define him as a top expert.
What is an Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Procedure?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an incision-less, minimally invasive procedure performed with an endoscope, a flexible tube fitted with a camera, and a suturing device. The camera allows the doctor to see the treatment area, while the suturing device stitches the stomach in accordion-like folds to reduce its size by 70 to 80 percent. Reducing stomach capacity helps restrict calorie intake and helps patients feel fuller longer on smaller food portions. With an ESG procedure, patients can expect to lose roughly 20 percent of their total body weight.
Benefits of ESG Beyond Weight Loss
ESG offers a wealth of benefits beyond the scale, including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cholesterol numbers
- Better blood sugar regulation, resolution of Type 2 diabetes
- Improvement of sleep apnea symptoms
- Improved joint pain and mobility
- Enhanced confidence and wellbeing
- Increased energy and stamina
- Improved mood disorders, including anxiety and depression
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for Your ESG Procedure
1) Schedule a Consultation
Speak with a highly-trained obesity medicine practitioner to understand your options for weight loss procedures. During a consultation, the care team will answer your questions, discuss your goals, challenges, and medical history, and advise whether an ESG is right for you. ESG is a good option for patients who:
- Are 21 or older
- Have a body mass index (BMI) over 30
- Do not qualify for traditional bariatric surgery for medical reasons
- Want to avoid the risks and recovery time of surgery
- Are willing to commit to lifestyle changes for long-term success
2) Get Clearance from Your Medical Team
It may be necessary to get a medical exam to avoid any unnecessary complications or risks from an ESG procedure. Your provider may request a physical exam, blood work, electrocardiogram, or other tests to ensure your body is well-prepared for the procedure.
3) Follow All Pre-ESG Instructions from Your Care Team
In the days leading up to your procedure, it’s important to follow the guidelines of your medical and nutrition team, including changes to your diet and medication regimen. You will be required to fast for 12 hours before the procedure and avoid certain medications.
4) Arrange Transportation
The ESG is performed under sedation, and although patients go home the same day, it’s not uncommon to feel woozy or out of it in the hours after the procedure. That’s why it’s required to have a family member or friend there to drive you home safely.
5) Out-of-Town Patients Should Stay Overnight Nearby
For patients from outside of the local area, we highly recommend staying in a hotel on the nights before and after your procedure. We are located close to international airports and have partnered with several local hotels to make your stay comfortable. Our patient care team can help answer any questions you have.
6) Arriving for an ESG
On the day of your ESG, you’ll be asked to arrive at our office about one or two hours before your scheduled procedure. You will meet with your care team, including your doctor, anesthesia providers, and nurses, and have a final opportunity to ask questions and go over any last-minute details.
7) What to Expect After Your ESG
After the procedure, you’ll spend approximately one hour in our recovery room until you are awake and comfortable enough to return home. You’ll start a clear liquid diet immediately after the procedure and transition to a full liquid diet (consisting of protein shakes) for the next two weeks. In the weeks after the ESG, you’ll be able to introduce pureed, soft, and semisolid foods under the guidance of our nutrition team, who will help you manage your diet to boost weight loss results.
Choosing True You Weight Loss for Your ESG Procedure
At True You Weight Loss, our team of physicians are experts in ESG procedures and endoscopic suturing. Dr. Christopher McGowan, Dr. Lauren Donnangelo, and Dr. Daniel Maselli are all triple-board-certified in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and obesity medicine. They regularly train other physicians in their cutting-edge ESG techniques.
They’ve performed thousands of successful ESGs for patients from more than 45 states and 10 countries—all on a journey to reclaim their health and freedom from food. In fact, True You Weight Loss is the highest-volume endoscopic weight loss center in the country.
Our care team is committed to ensuring you get concierge care every step of the way. We’ll walk you through your options, take time to understand your weight loss goals and prepare you for the procedure. After the ESG, you get 24/7 physician access via phone, text, email, and video chat. You’ll also receive a year of nutrition coaching and a lifetime of support and guidance for all your weight loss challenges on and off the scale.
If you’d like to learn more about the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and whether it might be right for you, request a free consultation today.
