Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG): A Less Invasive Path to Weight Loss

At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, we understand how challenging weight-related health issues can be. For patients who struggle with obesity and its complications, despite changes in diet and exercise, ESG offers a minimally invasive, anatomy-preserving option to support weight loss and improve overall health.
What is ESG?

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Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical, incision-free procedure that uses an endoscope, a long, flexible tube with a camera, inserted through the mouth down into the stomach.
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Instead of removing part of the stomach (as in traditional bariatric surgery), ESG reduces the size of the stomach by placing internal stitches. This transforms the stomach into a narrower, sleeve-like shape limiting how much food you can eat and helping you feel full sooner.
- The result: smaller portions satisfy you, and you eat less overall. Over time, this can lead to sustainable weight loss and health improvements.
Why Consider ESG?
ESG may be an option when:
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Your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher, and attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise alone have not worked.
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You prefer a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery.
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You wish to reduce risk of obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, or joint strain.
Because ESG preserves the anatomy and doesn’t involve external cuts, recovery is quicker and complications are fewer compared to conventional bariatric surgery.
What Happens During and After ESG?

During the procedure
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You’ll be sedated, and the endoscope is gently passed through your mouth into the stomach.
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Using a suturing device attached to the endoscope, your doctor stitches folds in your stomach along its greater curvature. These folds shrink the stomach’s volume and reshape it into a sleeve-like shape.
The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2.5 hours.
After the procedure
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Many patients go home the same day; some may stay overnight for observation.
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For the first few days, a liquid diet is typically recommended, gradually transitioning to soft and then regular foods, under guidance from dietitians.
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Because the stomach is smaller, you’ll feel full sooner, which helps you eat less and lose weight gradually.
Typical total body weight loss ranges from 15% to 20% at one year for many patients who follow the recommended lifestyle changes.
Benefits of ESG Compared with Traditional Surgery
| Feature | ESG | Traditional Bariatric Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions / Scars | None; access via mouth | Multiple external incisions |
| Hospital stay | Often day-case or overnight | 2–4 days or more |
| Recovery time | Shorter; quicker return to normal activity | Longer recovery, more post-operative care |
| Risk & complications | Lower overall risk of serious complications; mild GI side effects such as nausea or bloating are common but manageable | Higher risk of complications, longer rehab |
| Long-term flexibility | Stomach preserved; sutures can be reinforced if needed | Permanent removal of part of the stomach |
ESG doesn’t permanently remove stomach tissue and avoids major surgery; it offers a balance: meaningful weight loss with fewer risks and broader suitability. This is why Sunway Medical Centre Velocity include ESG in our range of obesity treatments.
Is ESG Right For You?
ESG may be considered if:
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Your BMI is 30 or above
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You’ve tried lifestyle changes (diet + exercise), but couldn’t maintain weight loss
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You prefer a non-surgical, less invasive approach
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You are willing to commit to long-term lifestyle changes: healthier eating, portion control, regular exercise, and follow-up visits
However, ESG is not suitable for everyone. It may be contraindicated if you have conditions such as large hiatal hernias, active stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or other gastrointestinal complications.
How to Get Started at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity
At Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, our multidisciplinary wellness team, including gastroenterologists and nutritionists - will evaluate your overall health and whether ESG is a suitable option for you.
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Initial Consultation & Assessment — Review your medical history, body weight, any obesity-related conditions, and prior weight loss efforts.
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Detailed Evaluation — Confirm suitability for ESG (gastric health, absence of contraindications, readiness for lifestyle changes).
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Procedure & Aftercare Plan — If eligible, schedule the ESG, provide pre-procedure guidance, and plan for follow-up diet, exercise, and monitoring.
Long-Term Lifestyle Support — Work with dietitians, wellness coaches, and psychological support to help you maintain weight loss, develop healthier habits, and improve metabolic health.
Final Thoughts

For many people who have struggled with obesity, ESG offers a promising middle ground: significant weight loss and health benefits, with fewer risks and a quicker recovery than traditional surgery.
If you are considering weight-loss solutions and want to know if Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is suitable for you, speak with our team at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity. We’re here to provide a comprehensive evaluation, honest guidance, and long-term support on your wellness journey.
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