In our mission to continually provide transparent and cutting-edge medical advice, we’ve encountered a compelling question that immediately caught our attention. The inquiry, “What your feelings are on the newer ESG procedure vs traditional sleeve?” is not just a testament to the evolving curiosity in our community but also signals a broader interest in understanding the forefront of weight-loss surgeries. Recognizing the importance of this question and its relevance to many out there considering their options, we’ve decided to dedicate this blog post to elaborating on the nuances between the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) procedure and the traditional sleeve gastrectomy. This comparison is crucial for anyone standing at the crossroads of making a significant life-changing decision about their health and well-being.
We value your curiosity about weight loss solutions. Exploring the differences between the endoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (ESG) procedure and traditional surgical methods like the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) can provide valuable insights for those interested in weight loss options.
Let’s start by revisiting the concept of the body’s “set point” for weight. Our bodies have evolved over millennia to maintain a certain level of body fat, much like a thermostat maintaining a specific temperature. This set point makes it challenging to sustain weight loss achieved through traditional diet and exercise plans. When you shed pounds, your body perceives this change as a deviation from its established set point and responds by working to restore those fat stores.
Now, when we delve into weight loss surgery, such as the traditional vertical sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, we find that these procedures go beyond merely reducing the size of the stomach. They have a remarkable ability to alter the body’s set point for body fat. This means that the body not only loses weight but actively collaborates with the patient to maintain it, without constant reliance on medications or extreme dietary restrictions.
On the other hand, the newer ESG procedure focuses primarily on reducing the stomach’s capacity for food. While studies have shown good weight loss results in the first year after the procedure, it does not address the body’s set point. It doesn’t alter hunger hormone levels or affect the brain’s hunger centers. Consequently, it lacks the comprehensive, physiologic approach provided by traditional surgical methods.
In my experience, I’ve observed that the ESG procedure can have a higher rate of weight regain compared to traditional surgical options. Additionally, I’ve seen cases where the gastric suture line has completely opened up a year after the ESG procedure, which raises concerns about its long-term effectiveness.
Another aspect to consider is the cost involved. The ESG procedure is not typically covered by insurance and can be an out-of-pocket expense of up to $10,000 for the patient. This raises questions about the value of investing such a significant sum in a procedure that may yield only temporary results.
It’s important to note that some practitioners, including gastroenterologists, may offer the ESG procedure without fully grasping the physiology of surgical weight loss. They may assume that permanent weight loss comes solely from reducing food intake. However, this oversimplified view doesn’t take into account the complex interplay of factors that contribute to excess body weight. This is analogous to the lap-band procedure. A procedure with no metabolic effects that was meant only to reduce intake. That procedure received quite a bit of attention for over a decade and is now all but defunct due to a high weight regain rate.
In closing, I share your concerns about the ESG procedure. While there may be specific circumstances where it is a viable weight loss option (perhaps in cases where surgery is not an option), it’s essential to approach it with caution and carefully consider the long-term outcomes. Traditional surgical procedures like VSG and gastric bypass have proven to be more effective in helping patients maintain reductions in body fat.
I hope this information provides you with a better understanding of the options available to you. If you have any more questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out and submit your questions here. Your health and well-being are of utmost importance, and I’m here to support you in making informed decisions.
