At the Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, we offer endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure designed to reduce the size of your stomach by using internal stitches. The unique advantage of this procedure is that it is performed endoscopically, avoiding the need for any incisions. This technique reshapes the stomach, helping you feel fuller more quickly and supporting long-term weight management.
Who might need endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?
ESG is an option for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above or who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise. By supporting weight loss, ESG can lower your risk of weight related problems including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, fatty liver disease and joint pain. It is also a highly feasible option for patients in whom surgery is not appropriate, including those with certain contraindications such as inflammatory bowel disease or multiple previous abdominal operations that make surgical access difficult.
What to expect during the procedure
The procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which has a tiny camera and a special stitching device attached. The endoscope is gently passed down your throat into your stomach, so there are no cuts to your skin. The surgeon/endoscopist uses the device to put stitches inside your stomach, reducing its size, which means you will feel fuller sooner and eat less. ESG usually takes between one and two hours to complete.
After the procedure
Most patients are able to return home the same day, though you’ll need someone to accompany you, as you won’t be able to drive straight away. It is normal to have some discomfort or nausea after the procedure, but your care team will make sure you are comfortable and provide you with the appropriate pain relief if needed.
You won’t be able to eat for a few hours after the procedure, you’ll then begin with a liquid diet for about ten days, gradually progressing to soft foods and eventually to a healthy, balanced diet.
You may return to work when you feel ready to resume your usual activities. For many this is a few weeks after the procedure, though this may vary depending on the type of job you do.
Results
As a minimally invasive procedure, ESG carries a lower risk of complications and enables a quicker return to daily activities. With healthy lifestyle changes, ESG can help you lose between 12% and 15% of your body weight (i), which can significantly improve weight-related health conditions.
Why choose us?
As part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, we are home to the highest volume surgical weight loss service in London, with internationally renowned teams who treat over 1,000 private and NHS patients each year. Our consultants consistently deliver exceptional results.
We are also part of the Imperial Weight Centre at St Mary’s Hospital, which is one of very few centres, and the only centre in London, accredited as an international centre of excellence for weight loss surgery.
Find out more about private endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and get in touch
If you have any questions about endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us:
Most major insurance companies cover the cost of treatment.