WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital

Endoscopic Non-Surgical Weight Loss

For patients who have difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise and don’t want to undergo weight-loss surgery, WVU Medicine gastroenterologists perform incisionless, endoscopic, non-surgical weight loss procedures. Shailendra Singh, MD, is an advanced gastroenterologist who specializes in endoscopic non-surgical weight loss.

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Overview

Endoscopic non-surgical weight-loss procedures are performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia, using a flexible tube equipped with a tiny camera inserted through the mouth to reach the stomach. Because there are no abdominal incisions, the risk of severe adverse effects from endoscopic non-surgical weight loss are low. Patients usually return to their normal routine after a few days of recovery at home.

At your evaluation appointment, you’ll undergo a screening process to help our gastroenterologists decide which procedure is right for you. You may be a candidate for endoscopic non-surgical weight loss if:

  • You have a body mass index of 30 or higher.
  • You are not able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
  • You’ve had weight-loss surgery, but regained weight.
  • You have a physical condition making you ineligible for weight-loss surgery.
  • You prefer not to undergo weight-loss surgery.

Our Procedures

WVU Medicine physicians are leading experts in minimally invasive endoscopic procedures, offering customized and comprehensive weight-loss options to help you safely reach your goals. Here are some of our non-surgical weight loss procedures.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

With this non-surgical, incisionless procedure, our providers reduce the size of the stomach with sutures to help patients attain a total body weight loss of about 15 to 20 percent within one to two years. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and other obesity-related medical problems may also improve. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is not currently covered by most health insurance providers.ESG Animation

Transoral Gastric Outlet Reduction

Patients who regain weight after gastric bypass surgery may receive this non-surgical, incisionless procedure that reduces the size of the stomach with sutures to promote weight loss. This completely endoscopic procedure is performed from inside the stomach and without the need for abdominal incisions. An endoscope equipped with a suturing system allows placement of stitches into the gastric outlet.TORe Animation

Gastric Balloon

A soft, but durable balloon filled with liquid or air is inserted into the stomach through the mouth, leaving less room for food intake. The balloon remains in the stomach for six months and is removed with a short endoscopic procedure. During the time the balloon is in place (and after removal), patients receive diet and exercise coaching from our team of experts.Gastric Balloon Animation

Endoscopic Revision of Sleeve Gastrectomy

Patients who regain weight after sleeve gastrectomy surgery benefit from this non-surgical, incisionless procedure where the size of the stomach is reduced with sutures to promote weight loss. Endoscopic revision of sleeve gastrectomy limits the amount of food you can eat and increases the feeling of fullness after meals.

Endoscopic Management of Surgical Complications

With our wide variety of endoscopic devices and techniques, including suturing, stents, and clips, we diagnose and manage patients with gastrointestinal concerns after surgery, such as gastrointestinal strictures, fistulas, leaks, or perforation. Using endoscopic ultrasound, we can also alleviate bile duct, pancreas, and gallbladder issues after gastric bypass surgery. Like weight-loss surgery, endoscopic weight loss requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle, changes to your diet, and regular exercise to help you achieve long-term weight-loss success.

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Phone Number: 304-598-4855

Email: [email protected]

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FAQ about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?

  • ESG is an endoscopic, incisionless weight loss procedure performed by a doctor, who sutures the stomach with a specialized device to make your stomach smaller.

How is the ESG procedure performed?

  • While you are asleep, a specially trained doctor passes a suturing device and camera through your mouth. After they reach the inside of your stomach, the doctor sews it into a smaller shape.

How does it help people lose weight?

  • The procedure makes the stomach 70–80% smaller. You eat less food so your system absorbs fewer calories. Food stays in the stomach longer, and you feel full longer.

What are the most common side effects?

  • The most common side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, burping, or diarrhea. These symptoms typically resolve within 30–60 days. All procedures have risk. Patients should talk with their doctor and understand all risks before having any procedure.

Who cannot have ESG?

  • Patients who are unable to have an upper endoscopy, are pregnant, are using certain types of blood-thinning medications or have malignant tissue, large hiatal hernia, potentially bleeding gastric lesions, or eating disorders are not eligible for the procedure. Talk to your doctor about whether you are a candidate for ESG.

How much does it cost?

  • Health care providers work with patients one-on-one to determine payer coverage and financing options.