Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery. This procedure reduces stomach capacity and helps patients feel fuller more quickly. During this outpatient procedure, the doctor inserts an endoscope into your mouth, esophagus, and stomach. The suturing device attached to the endoscope places a series of stitches.
Cost of Surgery
A less invasive weight-loss procedure that is becoming more and more popular as a substitute for traditional bariatric surgery is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty cost can vary significantly depending on various factors. The geographical location of the medical facility may also influence ESG’s pricing. Medical costs vary between regions; urban centers often have higher healthcare expenses than rural areas. The medical staff’s experience, standing, and the facility’s resources and technology can all affect the final cost. Individuals considering ESG should consult with healthcare providers to obtain a comprehensive breakdown of costs, understand potential insurance coverage, and explore financing options that may be available to them.
Patients interested in undergoing ESG should carefully assess the components included in the total cost, inquire about any potential hidden fees, and discuss payment plans or financing options with the healthcare provider. To make well-informed decisions regarding the financial aspects of ESG, people should confirm their insurance coverage and get in touch with both the medical facility and their insurance provider.
Cost of Anesthesia
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis. This means you’ll be able to go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you since you will be under anesthesia.
You’ll meet with a gastroenterologist or endoscopic surgeon for an evaluation before the surgery to see if you’re a good candidate. They’ll discuss your health history, diet, and weight loss goals with you and counsel you about the long-term lifestyle changes required to succeed in this surgery. They will also review the risks of ESG.
If you’re a candidate for the procedure, your healthcare provider will ask you to get medical clearance from your primary care physician. They’ll also order standard tests to ensure you can safely undergo general anesthesia.
A study comparing LSG and laparoscopic roux-gastrectomy found that median perioperative costs were similar. These costs include nurse and anesthesia fees, medications, and equipment costs. The cost differences between these two procedures may be due to variations in the care cycle. Other differences between the perioperative costs of LSG and LRYGB in the study were likely due to variables that were adjusted for, such as age, sex, preoperative BMI, and insurance type.
Cost of Follow-Up Care
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, like other weight loss surgeries and procedures, necessitates a dedication to a nutritious diet and consistent exercise. However, unlike many traditional bariatric surgery procedures, ESG is non-invasive and outpatient, allowing patients to return to their daily lives within a few days of the procedure.
During the ESG procedure, your doctor will place sutures in your stomach that change its structure from a bean-like shape to more of a tube. This reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold and makes you feel fuller more quickly. Like the gastric sleeve surgical procedure, ESG is performed through an endoscope that inserts into your mouth and stomach. It is less invasive than the surgical procedure because it doesn’t require incisions.
ESG is also much more cost-effective than other bariatric surgeries and can be an excellent option for people who don’t qualify for or want a traditional sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass. Studies of the effectiveness of ESG have shown that most patients lose 30% to 60% of their excess body weight, and related comorbidities such as heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes improve.
If you’re committed to a long-term diet and lifestyle change, the benefits of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can last for years. A year after the procedure, most people maintain about 15% of their excess body weight loss. This can lead to remission of obesity-related conditions like GERD, fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and obstructive sleep apnea.
Cost of Dietary Restrictions
The dietary restrictions that come with this procedure can be challenging for some patients. For this reason, it’s essential to budget for these additional costs. Initially, you’ll be on a liquid diet for two weeks after the procedure, followed by semi-solid foods. Finally, you can begin eating solid food again after four weeks. You’ll also need to meet with a nutritionist and psychologist frequently after the surgery, which can add up over time.
If you’re looking for a less invasive version of gastric sleeve surgery, consider undergoing ESG instead. During this non-surgical procedure, your doctor will use a flexible tube called an endoscope to place sutures in your stomach, which will reduce its volume by 70-80%. The result is a smaller stomach that helps you control your portion sizes and feel full sooner.
The ESG procedure is also reversible. However, it’s best for patients with BMIs in the 30-35 range, as those individuals won’t be eligible for traditional weight loss surgeries like a gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy. It’s also an excellent choice for patients who need to lose weight before a medical condition can be treated.
