Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure for patients who want maximum results without the risks of bariatric surgery. It’s the most effective non-surgical weight loss procedure available today.
DR. CHRISTOPHER MCGOWAN
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.
An ESG procedure is considered successful if the patient loses at least 10 percent of their total body weight. Overall, ESG procedures in the U.S. are successful at achieving that clinical threshold about 90 percent of the time.
At True You Weight Loss, we see even better results. 97 percent of True You patients lose at least 10 percent of their total body weight. At the one-year mark, our patients lost an average of 20 percent of their total body weight or 66 percent of their excess weight. Our success is thanks in large part to our unique clinical approach, which combines nutrition counseling, the highest level of concierge care, and 24/7 physician access to ensure you have the support and guidance you need to be successful.
What is ESG?
ESG reduces the size of the stomach by 70 to 80 percent using an endoscope, a thin flexible tube fitted with a camera, and a cutting-edge suturing device. The endoscope is placed down the esophagus and into the stomach. Once inside, a gastroenterologist folds and sutures the stomach in an accordion pattern to create a small, sleeve-like gastric pouch that significantly reduces stomach volume and limits food intake.
ESG helps patients lose weight by making it very difficult to overeat – consuming more calories than you expend is a key driver of weight gain. ESG reduces stomach capacity, slows stomach emptying (by up to 82 percent) to promote fullness, and helps you feel full longer – all factors that contribute to ongoing weight loss.
Highly specialized gastroenterologists perform an ESG under in an outpatient setting, in just 30 to 45 minutes. Patients can return home the same day with no activity restrictions. We advise patients to return to work after 2 or 3 days.
For comparison, traditional bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass, requires a hospital stay, reduced activity while incisions heal, and about two months total recovery time.
Measuring ESG Success
For about a decade – from the time the first ESG was performed in 2012 up until 2021 – everything we knew about ESG success was based on clinical observation. We saw our patients losing weight and keeping it off, but we didn’t have hard data to show ESG’s success.
However, the groundbreaking MERIT (Multicenter ESG Randomized Interventional Trial) study in 2021 confirmed our observations. Over 200 ESG patients across nine weight loss centers in the U.S. lost, on average, 49 percent of their excess weight one year after the procedure. That compares to just 4 percent of excess weight lost among the control group, who did not undergo ESG and, instead, made diet and lifestyle changes.
Patients were then followed for two years after their procedure, and the MERIT trial showed they maintained their weight loss, which is a promising indicator of long-term success.
Safety is also a critical factor in determining ESG’s success. The MERIT study found that complications were exceedingly rare, occurring in only 2 percent of cases. At True You Weight Loss, our complication rate is much lower – just 0.1 percent, a tiny fraction of the 5-percent safety threshold set by expert medical associations.
How Quickly Do Patients See Results?
Every patient is different, and weight loss after ESG will vary from person to person. However, most patients lose about 10 percent of their total body weight within the first three months. Achieving that milestone is an excellent predictor of long-term success after ESG. At the end of 12 months, True You Weight Loss patients lose an average of 20 percent, with highly motivated patients losing even more.
It’s essential to maintain a caloric deficit to lose weight – this shifts the body into fat-burning mode. Getting the most weight loss out of your ESG procedure requires a lifelong commitment to consuming smaller amounts of food and exercising regularly.
Does ESG Weight Loss Last?
Research indicates that ESG weight loss is sustainable for the long term – and our patient outcomes at True You Weight Loss are a testament to this. The best way to maintain ESG weight loss over the long term is commitment and consistency in your diet and exercise routines as well as regular follow-up with your doctor and dietitian.
At True You Weight Loss, our program is built to ensure your success. If you follow the program closely and remain committed and motivated, you’ll lose weight and keep it off. We’ve learned that the patients who engage in their follow-up appointments and work closely with our team of registered dietitians experience and maintain greater weight loss with ESG.
The Best Center for ESG Success
If you’re considering ESG as part of your weight loss journey, you deserve the best care possible. As the highest volume endobariatric center in the country, True You Weight Loss offers just that.
Our patients’ weight loss success outpaces national benchmarks, and our experienced team of physicians has performed more ESG procedures than any other team in the US. Dr. Lauren Donnangelo, Dr. Daniel Maselli, and Dr. Christopher McGowan are renowned experts at the forefront of endobariatrics. They are all triple board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and obesity medicine – placing them among the most qualified physicians in the U.S. to perform endoscopic weight loss procedures. With thousands of successful ESG, gastric balloon placements, gastric fundal mucosal ablations, and bariatric revision procedures under their belt, they have the experience to ensure exceptional results.
True You Weight Loss is the nation’s leading center for non-surgical weight loss solutions, serving patients from 45 states and 10 countries. This extensive experience translates into superior outcomes, a commitment to your long-term success, and a proven track record of safety and efficacy.
Our approach goes far beyond the procedure itself. We understand that losing weight is a journey that requires ongoing motivation, encouragement, and support. That’s why our program includes personalized nutrition counseling from a licensed dietitian and a lifetime support system to help you celebrate and sustain your achievements.
What’s more, no matter where you are, you will have 24/7 direct access to your physician via cell phone, email, text, and video chat. This ensures you receive the personalized care and attention you need, whenever and wherever you need it.
Transform Your Life with ESG
We’d love to share how ESG has transformed lives and helped patients reclaim their health. Request a free consultation today to learn more about how True You Weight Loss can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
