Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

In the United States, nearly 40% of adults are obese. This makes losing weight a big health issue. Two popular ways to do this are Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and gastric sleeve surgery. Even though both aim to make the stomach smaller, they work in different ways and have different results, highlighting the key differences in ESG vs. Gastric Sleeve.
ESG is a non-surgical method that uses an endoscope to shrink the stomach. On the other hand, gastric sleeve surgery removes a big part of the stomach. Knowing how these two methods differ is key to making the right choice.

Obesity rates are rising fast, making effective weight loss procedures more urgent. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These procedures offer a chance to improve health and quality of life.
Obesity is a big public health issue worldwide. Traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise don’t work well for severe obesity. Weight loss surgeries and non-surgical procedures are now viable options for significant and lasting weight loss.
These methods help reduce weight and manage obesity-related health issues. For example, weight loss surgeries can improve or cure type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The choice between surgery and non-surgery depends on health, BMI, and personal preferences.
Weight loss procedures fall into two categories: surgical and non-surgical. Surgical options, like gastric sleeve surgery, change the stomach to limit food intake. Non-surgical options, like Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), reduce stomach size without surgery.
| Procedure Type | Description | Key Benefits |
| Surgical (Gastric Sleeve) | Involves surgically removing a large portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow sleeve. | Significant weight loss, improvement in obesity-related conditions. |
| Non-Surgical (ESG) | A minimally invasive procedure that reduces the stomach size using an endoscope. | Less invasive, quicker recovery, effective weight loss. |
Both surgical and non-surgical weight loss procedures have their benefits and risks. Choosing the right one should be done with healthcare professionals’ advice. They consider health, obesity severity, and personal preferences.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty, or ESG, is a new way to lose weight without surgery. It’s getting a lot of attention because it’s less invasive than traditional surgery. This makes it a good option for those looking for a different approach to weight loss.
The ESG procedure uses an endoscope to shrink the stomach. It does this by stitching the stomach wall. This creates a sleeve shape that limits how much food you can eat.
Key steps in the ESG procedure include:
ESG helps you lose weight by making your stomach smaller. This means you can’t eat as much. It helps you lose weight and keeps it off over time.
The benefits of ESG include:
ESG has become a key choice for those wanting to lose weight without surgery. It’s a response to the need for safe and effective weight loss methods.
| Aspect | ESG | Traditional Surgery |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Surgical incisions required |
| Recovery Time | Shorter recovery | Longer recovery period |
| Scarring | No external scarring | Visible scars |
Sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric sleeve surgery, is a key bariatric surgery for those with obesity. It removes a big part of the stomach, leaving a narrow “sleeve” or tube-like stomach.
This surgery is done laparoscopically, with small incisions in the abdomen. The surgeon takes out about 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped stomach. This smaller stomach limits how much food you can eat, helping with weight loss.
“The gastric sleeve surgery has changed bariatric surgery. It’s less invasive and leads to big weight loss,” says A top bariatric surgeon.
The main way gastric sleeve surgery helps with weight loss is by making the stomach smaller. This means you feel full after eating less food. Also, the surgery removes the stomach part that makes ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry, which can help you eat less.
Sleeve gastrectomy started as the first part of a more complex surgery called BPD/DS. But its success made it a standalone surgery. Over time, it has improved with better laparoscopic techniques, making recovery faster and outcomes better.
Key benefits of gastric sleeve surgery include:
When deciding between ESG and gastric sleeve surgery, knowing the differences is key. Both aim to help with weight loss but use different methods and have different needs.
The surgical approach sets ESG and gastric sleeve apart. ESG is done without making cuts in the skin. Instead, a thin tube with a camera is used to sew the stomach, making it smaller. Gastric sleeve surgery, on the other hand, needs small cuts in the belly to remove a big part of the stomach.
ESG is less invasive and doesn’t change the stomach’s shape forever. It folds and sews the stomach to make a narrow tube, limiting how much food you can eat. Gastric sleeve surgery, by contrast, removes a big part of the stomach, leaving a narrow tube-like stomach.
The invasiveness and changes to the body are important to consider. ESG is less invasive because it doesn’t need cuts in the skin. It also doesn’t change the stomach’s shape forever, making it a reversible option in some ways. Gastric sleeve surgery, being more invasive, requires laparoscopic surgery and changes the stomach’s shape permanently by removing a big part of it.
| Procedure | Invasiveness Level | Anatomical Changes |
| ESG | Minimally Invasive | Reversible, No Permanent Removal |
| Gastric Sleeve | More Invasive | Permanent, Removal of Stomach Portion |
Anesthesia and hospital requirements also vary. ESG is usually done with conscious sedation, allowing patients to go home the same day. Gastric sleeve surgery needs general anesthesia and a longer hospital stay because it’s more invasive.
“The choice between ESG and gastric sleeve surgery should be based on a thorough understanding of the procedural differences, including the level of invasiveness, anatomical changes, and recovery requirements.” – A Bariatric Surgeon
In conclusion, knowing the differences between ESG and gastric sleeve surgery is key to making a good choice. By looking at the surgical approach, how invasive it is, and what the hospital stay is like, you can pick the best option for your health goals and preferences.
Looking at how much weight ESG and gastric sleeve surgery help people lose is key. Both have been studied a lot, giving us lots of data.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) makes your stomach smaller, so you eat less. Studies show it can lead to big weight loss. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found people lost 15-20% of their body weight after a year.
“ESG has emerged as a safe and effective weight loss procedure, with patients experiencing substantial weight reduction and improvements in obesity-related comorbidities.” –
Journal of the American Medical Association
Gastric sleeve surgery makes your stomach very small. It’s been shown to lead to a lot of weight loss. Studies say people lose 25-30% of their body weight after a year.
Many studies have looked at how ESG and gastric sleeve compare. A study in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery found gastric sleeve surgery leads to more weight loss. But ESG has fewer side effects and a quicker recovery.
| Procedure | Average Weight Loss at 12 Months | Complication Rate |
| ESG | 15-20% | Lower |
| Gastric Sleeve | 25-30% | Higher |
In conclusion, both ESG and gastric sleeve surgery help with weight loss. But they differ in how much weight you lose and the risks involved. Knowing these differences helps you make a better choice.
Both ESG and gastric sleeve surgery have different recovery times. It’s important for patients to know these differences before choosing. This knowledge helps set realistic expectations and ensures a smooth recovery.
ESG is a minimally invasive procedure. This means recovery time is generally shorter than more invasive surgeries. Most patients can get back to normal activities in a few days to a week after the surgery.
Gastric sleeve surgery is more invasive. It usually takes longer to recover. Patients typically stay in the hospital for one to two days. Full recovery can take several weeks.
The time it takes to return to normal activities and work differs between ESG and gastric sleeve. ESG patients usually go back to work in a few days to a week. Gastric sleeve patients might need two to four weeks off work, depending on their job’s physical demands.
It’s key for patients to understand the recovery process for both ESG and gastric sleeve surgery. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions and prepare for the post-operative period.
It’s important to look at the safety of ESG and Gastric Sleeve before making a choice. Both methods help with weight loss but have different risks and complications.
ESG is a less invasive procedure, but it’s not risk-free. Short-term issues might include:
Long-term risks of ESG could be:
Gastric Sleeve surgery is more invasive and has its own risks. Short-term problems might be:
Long-term risks of Gastric Sleeve surgery include:
Comparing ESG and Gastric Sleeve’s safety, several factors are important. ESG is seen as safer because it’s less invasive and doesn’t require surgical cuts. Yet, both procedures have serious risks to consider.
A comparative study would look at complication rates, how severe they are, and their impact on quality of life. ESG might have a quicker recovery and fewer short-term issues. But, long-term success depends on following dietary and lifestyle advice.
In summary, ESG and Gastric Sleeve are both effective for weight loss but have different risks. Knowing these risks helps patients make better choices for their weight loss journey.
Both ESG and Gastric Sleeve are good for losing weight. But, knowing who’s best for each needs a deep look at health and BMI.
ESG is for people with a BMI between 30 and 40. It’s a good choice for those wanting a less invasive method than traditional surgery.
Key characteristics of ESG candidates include:
Gastric Sleeve is for those with a BMI of 40 or higher. Or, for those with a BMI between 35 and 39.9 and serious weight-related health issues.
Key characteristics of Gastric Sleeve candidates include:
BMI is key in choosing between ESG and Gastric Sleeve. But, health conditions, past surgeries, and overall health matter too.
| Procedure | Ideal BMI Range | Health Considerations |
| ESG | 30-40 | Less invasive, fewer health risks |
| Gastric Sleeve | 35-40+ (with health issues), 40+ | More significant weight loss, presence of obesity-related conditions |
Choosing between ESG and Gastric Sleeve depends on a full check of health, BMI, and weight loss goals. Talking to a healthcare provider is key to picking the right one.
When looking into weight loss surgery, it’s key to know about ESG and gastric sleeve long-term effects. Both are known for helping people lose weight. But, it’s important to understand their long-term effects to make the right choice.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a good option for weight loss. Studies show it can lead to big weight loss over years. Some people keep a lot of weight off.
For ESG to work well long-term, sticking to a healthy diet and exercise is important. Those who do tend to keep the weight off better.
Gastric sleeve surgery is also effective for long-term weight loss. Research shows it can help people lose weight for five years or more. It also helps reduce health problems linked to being overweight.
Like ESG, following diet and lifestyle advice after surgery is key. Regular check-ups with doctors also help keep track of progress and solve any issues.
| Procedure | Typical Weight Loss | Long-term Maintenance |
| ESG | 15-20% total body weight loss | Significant weight loss maintained over 3-5 years |
| Gastric Sleeve | 25-30% total body weight loss | Substantial weight loss maintained over 5+ years |
Both ESG and gastric sleeve improve life quality a lot. People feel more mobile, have fewer health problems, and feel better mentally.
“I’ve never felt better. The weight loss has given me a new lease on life, and I’m grateful for the decision I made to undergo surgery.” – A gastric sleeve patient
These surgeries also make life better in many ways. They help people do more in their daily lives and enjoy life more.
In summary, ESG and gastric sleeve surgeries offer great long-term benefits for weight loss and health. Knowing what makes them successful helps patients choose the right path for their weight loss journey.
After ESG or Gastric Sleeve surgery, it’s key to follow the right nutrition for weight loss. Patients need to make big lifestyle changes. This ensures they reach their weight loss goals and stay healthy.
For ESG patients, a specific diet is important for recovery and weight loss. The diet starts with liquids and soft foods. It then moves to more solid foods.
Gastric Sleeve patients must follow a strict diet for successful weight loss. The diet moves from liquids to solid foods over weeks.
Both ESG and Gastric Sleeve patients might need vitamin supplements to avoid deficiencies. Common supplements include:
It’s important to regularly check in with healthcare providers. They can help monitor your nutrition and adjust supplements as needed.
Patients who have had ESG or Gastric Sleeve surgery share their stories. These stories help others understand the benefits and outcomes of these surgeries.
People who chose ESG often see big weight loss and health gains. For example,
“I lost 50 pounds in the first six months after my ESG procedure, and my energy levels soared.”
These testimonials show how ESG can change lives for the better.
Another patient said,
“The minimally invasive nature of ESG made my recovery quick, and I was back to my normal activities within a week.”
This highlights ESG’s benefits as a less invasive weight loss option.
Gastric Sleeve patients also see big weight loss and health gains. A typical story is,
“After Gastric Sleeve surgery, I lost 80 pounds in a year, and my diabetes went into remission.”
These stories show how Gastric Sleeve can greatly improve health.
Some prefer Gastric Sleeve for its bigger weight loss. For example,
“I opted for Gastric Sleeve because I wanted a more substantial weight loss solution, and it has been life-changing.”
These experiences show the varied outcomes and preferences of patients.
Satisfaction surveys and quality of life assessments give a wider view. Studies show both ESG and Gastric Sleeve lead to high satisfaction. A study might show its findings in a table like this:
| Procedure | Average Weight Loss | Patient Satisfaction Rate |
| ESG | 40-60 pounds | 85% |
| Gastric Sleeve | 60-100 pounds | 90% |
Both procedures have high satisfaction rates, with different weight loss amounts. Quality of life assessments also show improvements in physical and mental health.
In conclusion, the experiences and satisfaction rates for ESG and Gastric Sleeve are very positive. By looking at patient testimonials and surveys, those considering these surgeries can better understand what to expect.
Choosing between ESG and gastric sleeve surgery should be well thought out. It’s important to look at your health goals and past medical history. Each surgery has its own benefits and risks, so it’s key to think about what’s best for you.
It’s important to know what you want to achieve with surgery. Think about how much weight you want to lose and how fast. Having realistic expectations is important for being happy with the results.
Also, understand how the surgery might affect your health. This includes how it might help with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Your medical history and risk factors are important in choosing a surgery. Some health conditions might make one surgery better than the other. For example, if you have stomach problems, you might need to think carefully about your options.
| Risk Factor | ESG Consideration | Gastric Sleeve Consideration |
| Gastrointestinal History | May be more suitable due to its less invasive nature | Requires careful evaluation due to the surgical alteration of the stomach |
| Previous Weight Loss Attempts | Ideal for those who have tried other weight loss methods without success | Often considered for those with a higher BMI or significant weight loss needs |
Think about your lifestyle and how ready you are for big changes. Both surgeries require big changes in how you eat and live. You’ll need to stick to strict dietary guidelines and possibly take vitamins for life to avoid health problems.
Talking to healthcare providers is key to making a good choice. They can give advice tailored to your health, preferences, and goals. A thorough discussion can help you understand the benefits and risks of each surgery. This ensures you choose the right one for you.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and Gastric Sleeve surgery have different approaches and benefits. ESG is a less invasive option with fewer risks. It’s great for those wanting a less invasive weight loss method.
Gastric Sleeve surgery leads to significant weight loss but is more invasive. It comes with long-term risks. When deciding between esg vs. gastric sleeve, consider the benefits of each. ESG offers quick recovery, while Gastric Sleeve provides more weight loss.
Choosing between ESG and Gastric Sleeve depends on your health goals and lifestyle. It’s important to talk to healthcare providers. They can help decide the best option for you based on your health and needs.
Understanding the differences and outcomes of each procedure is key. This way, you can make a choice that fits your weight loss goals.
ESG is a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure. Gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical operation that removes part of the stomach.
Both reduce the stomach’s size to limit food intake. ESG uses sutures, while gastric sleeve surgery removes stomach parts.
ESG is less invasive and doesn’t require surgical cuts. It offers a quicker recovery. It’s great for those wanting a less invasive weight loss method.
ESG risks include bleeding, leakage, or suturing problems. Gastric sleeve surgery risks include infection, bleeding, and long-term nutritional issues. Each has its own risks.
Both are effective for weight loss. Effectiveness depends on starting weight, health, and following post-procedure guidelines.
ESG recovery is quicker, often within a few days to a week. Gastric sleeve surgery recovery is longer, usually several weeks.
Ideal candidates have a BMI of 30 or higher and haven’t lost weight through diet and exercise. Health and medical history also matter.
Both require big dietary changes and possibly vitamin supplements. Patients must stick to a strict diet and make lasting lifestyle changes.
Experiences vary, but both are highly satisfying. Outcomes depend on individual goals, weight loss, and health improvements.
Consider health goals, medical history, risk tolerance, lifestyle, and healthcare provider advice. Weigh these carefully to make a good choice.
Both need long-term commitment to diet and lifestyle changes. Regular health check-ups are also key for monitoring and addressing issues.
Costs vary by location, provider, and insurance. ESG might be cheaper due to its non-surgical nature. Always check with healthcare providers for specific costs.
Follow a specific diet that starts with liquids and progresses to solids. Vitamin and mineral supplements are often needed to avoid deficiencies.
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