How Can An Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Help After A Failed Laparoscopic Sleeve?

Bariatric surgeries, like laparoscopic sleeves, can be great treatment routes for some people with BMI indexes in the obese range. These types of surgeries can reduce the size of the stomach and help people feel fuller after eating. Strict dietary plans help patients avoid post-surgical complications and improve their efforts to lose weight. However, because the stomach is an adaptable organ, it can stretch if a person continues to overeat or struggles to follow their diet. In these cases, a bariatric professional might recommend a mixed procedure that also involves an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Read on to learn more.

What is an ESG Surgery?

During a laparoscopic sleeve surgery, your doctor will remove a portion of the stomach to leave a narrow gastric "sleeve." ESG is a somewhat similar procedure in that your doctor will reduce the size and volume of the stomach, but instead of excising stomach tissue, your doctor will suture folds of the stomach together to reduce the shape and size. ESGs shape the stomach in such a way that food is absorbed more slowly, and the intestines empty more slowly so you don't feel ravenous.

How Does it Help After a Failed Laparoscopic Sleeve?

Again, if your stomach stretches out after a laparoscopic sleeve, then you may be consuming more food than you intend and hindering weight loss goals. Instead of removing more stomach tissue, endoscopic sleeves just tighten the current tissue with sutures. A laparoscopic sleeve cannot be reversed; endoscopic sleeves are permanent, but the sutures can be easily taken out if there are complications.  

Can You Opt for an Endoscopic Sleeve on Its Own?

Although some people opt for EGS after laparoscopic treatment, some patients may opt for EGS from the get-go. ESG is a minimally invasive procedure with less risk than something like a gastric bypass. While a gastric bypass can lead to greater weight loss, it involves greater changes to the anatomy of the stomach and intestines. Plus, more invasive surgeries may have longer recovery times and more potential complications, such as vitamin deficiencies.

Who is a Candidate for an Endoscopic Sleeve?

Only your doctor will know whether you are a candidate for this type of surgery, but if you are obese and want to make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, then an EGS may be a good treatment route—especially if you want to reduce the risk of weight-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, and/or fatty liver disease. EGS is usually not a good idea for people with bleeding disorders or people prone to stomach ulcers. And keep in mind, while ESG can help people recover from stomach stretching, it isn't a cure-all; patients still need to commit to lifestyle changes and dietary recommendations.

Reach out to a bariatric care medical provider, such as South Shore Health, today for more information on bariatric services.