Tampa

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty vs Gastric Sleeve - What’s Better?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy are both weight loss procedures that reduce the size of the stomach and decrease the number of calories you eat. However, the procedures are somewhat different, and you might be wondering which one is the best for you.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) involves placing sutures into your stomach to decrease its size up to 80%. This causes you to eat smaller amounts, decreasing your caloric intake, and also reducing the amount of food you absorb.

Benefits of ESG

ESG is gaining popularity as a newer, modernized, and effective weight loss surgery for those struggling with excess weight and related health problems. It promotes feelings of fullness and may help reduce levels of a hormone called ghrelin, which triggers feelings of hunger. This can help to improve overall appetite control and reduce the risk of overeating.

ESG has also been shown to improve metabolic function, including blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels, which can help decrease the risk of weight-related health conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Patients also benefit from:

A minimally invasive procedure. It doesn't require surgical removal of any part of the stomach or involve incisions, because it uses stitches to reduce the size of the stomach.
No incisions or scars. ESG is performed with an endoscope, so no incisions are made.
Reduced adverse events. Because it doesn't require traditional surgery, ESG is considered to be a relatively safe procedure that minimizes the risk of side effects and complications compared to other surgical weight loss options.
Less downtime. It's a lot easier to get back to everyday activities when you don't have to undergo major surgery. When you undergo an ESG procedure in our Tampa surgery center, you can go home the very same day.
Long-term nutrition habits. To maximize the benefits, a healthy diet is encouraged to get the weight off and keep it off. At Formation, we have a whole network of nutritionists and life coaches to help you stay on track and provide support every step of the way.

Considerations for ESG

Every medical procedure has some element of risk. While endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is relatively safe with a low risk of complications because it is minimally invasive, there is a small potential risk of the following:

It’s also important to note that ESG is irreversible. But for many people, this is one of the biggest benefits. Many of our patients have had a long weight loss journey, so they are happy to finally have a long-term, permanent solution.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)

A gastrectomy sleeve uses laparoscopic surgery to open up the abdomen and remove or resect a portion of the stomach. It is a more traditional surgical technique that leaves a thin “sleeve-like” portion that is smaller in size compared to the rest of your stomach, usually by 60-80%.

Benefits of LSG

The pros of an LSG are similar to ESG. It is effective in promoting weight loss, reducing feelings of hunger, and improving metabolic health.

Considerations for LSG

However, there are also some potential cons of LSG that should be considered. Like ESG, LSG also runs the small risks of leakage, infection, bleeding, nausea and vomiting, and rarely, bowel obstruction.

LSG also has a few other considerations when compared to ESG:

It's a surgical procedure that requires incisions.
It requires a longer hospital stay (up to two days). Your doctor will want to keep you overnight to monitor you for bleeding or leak.
It has a longer recovery time. You typically need to wait a few weeks for the body to heal before starting strenuous exercise again.
It may be more painful than ESG. LSG has the potential to cause more pain and recovery time due to cutting through tissues, whereas ESG is non-surgical in this regard.
Certain complications like leaks require re-hospitalization and operations. ESG uses sutures, which could potentially be removed, but LSG physically removes a part of the stomach. This makes corrections a little more complicated if the need arises.
It tends to cost a little more. Since LSG is a surgical procedure, more staff, equipment, and preparation are typically involved.
It increases the severity of GERD/Heartburn symptoms. If you take daily antacid medication, a LSG may not be the right procedure for you.

including the need for regular follow-up care with a bariatric surgeon or endocrinologist and the potential for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and bowel obstruction.

Which Procedure is Right for Me?

Both ESG and LSG can be effective tools for weight loss, but it is important to work closely with your doctor or bariatric surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you. At Formation, we provide one-on-one consultation and thorough medical review to help guide your choices.

Additionally, it is important to have proper support and preparation before undergoing either procedure to maximize your chances of achieving long-term weight loss success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure last?

Endoscopic gastroplasties are usually 60 – 90 minutes long. LSGs are typically 120 minutes.

What kind of estimated weight loss can I expect?

Following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, patients lose approximately 75 percent excess weight loss in two years. With an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, you can lose up to 70 percent excess weight in two years.

Your weight loss depends on many factors, including your health and body composition before surgery, age, and current exercise regime, as well as your dedication to a healthy lifestyle after your procedure. There are also many other potential health benefits, including reduced hunger and overeating, improved metabolic functioning, and decreased health risks related to sleep apnea, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The staff, doctors, and experts at Formation will be guiding you along with nutrition counseling and lifestyle coaching to help you be successful and love and take care of your new body.

Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy better for me?

Both ESG and LSG are very effective when considering your options for a weight loss procedure. Ultimately, the best way to determine which type of weight loss surgery is right for you is to consult with your doctor or bariatric surgeon to discuss your individual circumstances and health needs.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Formation is Tampa’s industry leader in endoscopic gastric sleeve procedures. We’ll review your overall health and total body weight loss goals. We’ll also discuss how we can support a healthy lifestyle with nutrition experts and coaching so that you can lose weight and keep it off.

We consider your success to be our success. With the right preparation and support, we can help you achieve significant weight loss and improve your overall health and well-being. Reveal the best version of yourself.

Give us a call today to discuss your treatment options.