The gastric bypass and the gastric sleeve are two types of surgical techniques for the treatment of obesity and significant weight loss. Although both techniques have their main objective (lose weight), they are being relegated by new trends and advances in technology to offer solutions for obesity without having surgery that involves a long stay in hospital, risks of complications, and the high costs that these surgeries entail. This is why Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (or ESG) has gained popularity.
It can be compared with the two most recognized bariatric surgeries in terms of results (gastric bypass and sleeve) and is one of the best options to lose weight effectively without surgery. Below you can find a comparison between these 3 procedures to lose weight.
Comparison Chart: ESG vs Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass
the entire table
| Key Differences | ESG | Gastric bypass | Gastric sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of procedure | Non-surgical endoscopic procedure | More complex surgical intervention | Less complex surgical intervention |
| Reversible vs irreversible | Reversible | Irreversible | Irreversible |
| Candidates | Patients with a BMI greater than 30 | Patients with a BMI greater than 40 or 35 in the event that the patient presents high-risk comorbidities | Patients with a BMI between 35 and 40, including if the patient has high-risk comorbidities |
| Average procedure time | 1 hour | 2h 45 min | 1h 40 min |
| Anatomic changes | It does not eliminate the stomach, it only sutures a part to make it smaller | It does not remove any part of the stomach but divides it into two parts | It removes about 70% of the stomach |
| Changes to the digestive system | Does not alter the digestive system | Alters the digestive system | It does not alter the digestive system |
| Weight loss progression | Gradual and continuous weight loss | Rapid weight loss: patients lose almost all their excess weight in less than a year | Gradual weight loss: patients lose almost all of their excess weight on an ongoing basis |
| Results | Effective weight loss | Effective weight loss | Effective weight loss |
| Feeling hunger | The patient feels full for much | Greater feeling of hunger/appetite | Little feeling of hunger/appetite |
| Recovery | Short post procedure maximum 5 days | Longer and uncomfortable postoperative period | Shorter and less uncomfortable postoperative period |
What Is Gastric Bypass?
To begin a weight loss journey, it is necessary to know and investigate the options offered by this type of surgery. This gastric bypass procedure is performed laparoscopically, it implies a significant reduction of the stomach, making it easier for food to pass directly from the stomach to the end of the intestine. Briefly, this surgery consists of two steps:
- Reduction of the stomach. The stomach size is reduced by cutting the highest part and dividing it into two parts. The smallest part of the stomach will be responsible for receiving food. This situation will force the patient to eat a reduced amount of food at each meal and therefore, feel full much faster.
- Intestine section. The second part of this surgery consists of cutting a part of the intestine and joining it with the small part of the stomach. This way, the absorption of part of the food that the patient ingests will be avoided.
During gastric bypass, a part of the intestine is omitted, making it easier for the body to require more time to absorb calories, hence rapid and effective weight loss. The patient will see quickly visible results losing between 60-80% of their excess weight in less than a year. This gastric bypass surgery takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Due to its complexity, this procedure presents more risks than other techniques, such as the gastric sleeve, which also has a high-risk index compared to the endoscopic gastric sleeve, or ESG.
Gastric bypass is a fairly effective surgical option for weight loss. However, with the advancement of new technologies in procedures to lose weight without the need for major surgery, gastric bypass has been relegated as the last option to lose weight for several reasons. It is a surgery considered major and carries respective risks, the downtime of patients can be up to 20 days, and the cost of the surgery is high compared to other options.
What Is Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric sleeve surgery is the first option of many bariatric surgeons to control morbid obesity and to lose weight effectively. Just like the bypass, the gastric sleeve is a surgery that is performed laparoscopically. This operation consists of cutting a section of a large part of the stomach, approximately 80% of its entirety. The reduction of this high percentage is because the Ghrelin hormone (appetite stimulant) is found in the sectioned part, so when it is eliminated, the patient will have less appetite and a feeling of premature satiety.
Unlike more invasive procedures, such as gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve does not alter any part of the digestive system, it continues to function the same as before but with the difference that now the stomach is smaller. This allows for a faster recovery of the patient, fewer complications, and is associated with fewer malabsorption problems. This surgery is a little less invasive than gastric bypass, the intervention lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. The weight loss is not as fast and visible in the patient as with the bypass.
Although a laparoscopic gastric sleeve is a great option for patients who want to lose weight, it is still a major weight-loss surgery. That is to say, the recovery time is longer, and the patient requires total rest for at least 15 days, without counting the possible complications that major surgery can entail.
Innova Weight Loss Solutions offers an innovative and effective way to lose weight without the need for surgery, cuts or scars, and in addition, the non-surgical procedure is less expensive than surgical options. This procedure is called Overstitch endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or endoscopic gastric sleeve, also commonly referred to as ESG.
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What Is Overstitch Endoscopic Gastric Sleeve?
Endoscopic gastric sleeve (ESG) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient, incisionless weight loss procedure. A medical expert sutures the stomach from the inside to reduce its size, resulting in lasting weight loss. The procedure is very well tolerated. Patients are not admitted to the hospital and can return to their normal routine after two or three days of rest.
Who Is ESG For?
ESG is the procedure of choice for patients who have been unable to achieve weight loss with changes in diet and exercise. It is also suitable for patients who do not want surgery or who do not meet the requirements for traditional bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric sleeve. The perfect candidate for ESG is a patient with a Body Mass Index between 30 and 40 who is committed to the weight loss program and willing to adapt to a healthier lifestyle.
How Is ESG Performed?
The ESG procedure is performed endoscopically, so no incisions are needed. The doctor inserts an endoscope (a tube with a camera and a light at the end) through your mouth and into your stomach. The tool is equipped with a suture device that allows us to suture the stomach from the inside. This way we can reduce the size of the stomach by 70-80%.
Now the stomach can accommodate smaller meals, so a smaller meal lasts for a much longer period. The patient can follow a low-calorie diet without feeling hungry all the time and above all, feel satisfied with smaller portions of food.
How Much Weight Would I Lose With Endoscopic Sleeve?
Most people lose up to 20% of their total body weight a year after the procedure. Most of the weight loss occurs in the first few months after the procedure but is maintained. Five years after the procedure, people maintain a total body weight loss of 18%. The key is to carry out all the indications that our medical nutrition therapy team will give you. For example, adopt a healthier lifestyle and follow an exercise routine.
Other Health Benefits Of ESG
In addition to weight loss, ESG patients can experience improvement in blood sugar, blood pressure, mood, and relief from obstructive sleep apnea.
To start your journey of losing weight today, make an appointment at one of Innova Weight Loss Solutions locations in Puerto Rico or New York. Our weight loss professionals are ready to help transform your life!
