Frequently Asked Questions about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG):

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

The Apollo OverStitch is an endoscopic procedure that reduces stomach size and makes it 70-80% smaller, promoting an earlier feeling of fullness and limiting food intake. Utilizing the OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System by Apollo Endosurgery, this technology requires no incisions, and it is also known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).

How is the ESG procedure performed?

While asleep, a doctor threads a suturing device and camera through your mouth, sewing the stomach into a smaller shape without incisions.

How does ESG really work?

An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty functions by reducing the stomach’s size, promoting satisfaction with smaller food portions, aiding weight loss, and sustaining results. The procedure, conducted under general anaesthesia, employs an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera and stitching device. Inserted through the throat, the endoscope enables a non-invasive view of the stomach, where approximately 12 stitches are meticulously placed. These stitches reshape the stomach into a tube, limiting calorie absorption, akin to a traditional gastric sleeve. The entire process, lasting around 90 minutes, concludes with postoperative monitoring in a recovery room. Typically, patients can return home on the same day after waking from anaesthesia.

How does ESG help with weight loss?

By reducing stomach size, ESG lowers calorie intake. Food stays in the stomach longer, leading to a prolonged feeling of fullness.

How is ESG different from other bariatric surgeries?

ESG is endoscopic, requiring no incisions. Patients often go home the same day or just stay 1 day at the hospital.

What are the benefits of Apollo Endosleeve?

An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is a beneficial alternative to surgery for weight loss. It has the following advantages:

• More safety and less invasiveness
• Less discomfort
• Lower chance of infection
• No visible scars on the abdomen
• Faster recovery time
• No need to stay in the hospital
• An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty shrinks your stomach. This helps you lose weight by making you feel full with less food.
• The procedure does not involve any incisions on your abdomen (tummy) which can lower the possibility of problems.
• An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is usually more affordable than other types of weight-loss surgery.
• To keep your weight down and stay healthy after having this procedure, you will have to follow a nutritious diet and exercise regularly.
• Being at a healthy weight can improve your quality of life and self-esteem.
• It can also boost your energy and allow you to have more fun with the people you care about the most.

What are the results of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Your lifestyle changes also affect how much weight you shed. A recent study of people with an average BMI of 38 reported an average weight loss of 39 pounds (17 kilograms) after 6 months. Weight loss was about 42 pounds (19 kilograms) after 12 months.

In a study of people with a BMI of around 45, they lost an average of about 73 pounds (33 kilograms) in the first six months.

What are common side effects of ESG?

Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur like cramps and nausea, but typically resolve within several days.

Am I a candidate for ESG?

Adults with a BMI between 30-50 kg/m², struggling with weight loss through diet and exercise alone, may be eligible.

If you’ve undergone a previous bariatric procedure and need revision, reducing the stomach pouch or anastomosis size may be helpful to restore your original sleeve or bypass. Patients have a BMI of 60, the Apollo OverStitch can be considered as an initial step for weight loss to reduce the surgery and anesthesia risks.

Can I undergo Apollo OverStitch after a previous weight-loss surgery?

Generally possible, especially for revision surgery, but eligibility is assessed on an individual basis.

Who cannot have ESG?

Patients with certain conditions or medications may be ineligible. Contact us for eligibility check.

When can I return to work after ESG?

Patients typically return to work in 2-8 days.

How much weight can I lose with ESG?

On average, patients lose 14% of their body weight 12 months post-ESG, with individual variations. Patients may lose around 20% of their body weight over 1.5-2 years post-procedure, contingent on committing to significant lifestyle changes.

Are the sutures permanent or dissolvable?

Sutures are durable and permanent but can break. Replacing broken sutures can restore the sleeve.

Is the procedure permanent?

Over time, scarring maintains the stomach size, but the sleeve can stretch. Retightening procedures can address this.

Is the sleeve reversible?

Reversal is possible by cutting and removing sutures or addressing scarring, depending on the situation. Reversal involves risks.

What happens to the sutures inside the stomach?

The non-absorbable sutures used during the Apollo OverStitch become a permanent part of the stomach, contributing to the maintenance of the newly-formed sleeve.

What are the side effects of Apollo OverStitch?

Common side effects include nausea and stomach discomfort, with more serious complications like bleeding, perforations, or infections being rare but possible.

How much does ESG cost?

According to the information that several clinics shared online, Apollo ESG costs are approximately like:

United States: $8,100 to $27,300

United Kingdom: £9,500-11,750

Our Price: £ 4950 (Airport transfers, 3 days hospitalisation, 2 days of accomodation included)

How does the Apollo OverStitch differ from sleeve gastrectomy?

Unlike sleeve gastrectomy, where part of the stomach is removed, the Apollo OverStitch stitches the stomach without removal. It’s less invasive, allowing for same-day or next-day hospital discharge and a shorter recovery time. Importantly, the Apollo OverStitch is reversible within a certain timeframe.

Will I need nutritional supplements or vitamins?

Typically, post-ESG, nutritional supplements or vitamins are not required. Follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery and a healthy lifestyle.

What are the potential positive health impacts of ESG?

Instead of ESG isn’t FDA-approved for specific health issues, weight loss may lead to clinical improvements in conditions like diabetes and hypertension, as observed in some patients during a clinical study.

How do I prepare the Apollo endoscopic gastroplasty?

Your procedure will require some preparation, and our care team will give you specific instructions.

You may have to adhere to rules on what you can eat, drink and which drugs you can use. You will also need to exercise more and be more physically active.

It is useful to think ahead and prepare for your recovery period. Get some assistance at home if you anticipate needing it. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty usually has a short recovery time of one or two days.

I already had the Apollo OverStitch. How can I ensure its success?

Success post-procedure involves committing to significant dietary changes, adopting a healthier lifestyle, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine for long-term benefits.

How do I determine the right weight-loss procedure for me?

While BMI provides a rough indication, a thorough assessment of medical history and overall health is essential. Contact us for a personalized consultation.

How can I start my journey?

First of all, simply browse our contact page, let us know your health details and contact number. Our team will contact and inform you in the earliest convenience. You can also directly contact our team for assistance.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept payment cash, via credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna and bank transfer. For more details on payment options, please contact us.

Do you accept international patients?

Yes, we offer all kind of treatments to international patients. Actually, because of Apollo ESG is an outpatient procedure, nearly 80% of our patients comes from abroad.